Four teenagers have appeared in court today charged with a series of burglaries in Bishop Auckland.

The boys, aged 15 to 18, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates court yesterday (September 11) charged with a string of thefts and attempted thefts.

The first boy, and only adult of the group, Milan Blades, 18, was joined by three others following incidents in St Helen.

Mr Blades, of Middlesbrough, was charged with residential burglary, two attempted residential burglaries, seven attempted garage burglaries, attempted theft from a motor vehicle and possession of a bladed article.

No pleas were entered and he was granted conditional bail while a trial is scheduled for October 10.

The other boys cannot be named due to their age.

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Two 16-year-old boys also appeared charged with several offences including burglary and attempted theft from a motor vehicle.

No pleas were entered and both were remanded in custody until their next expected appearance at Durham Crown Court on October 10.

A third boy, aged 15, was charged with burglary and remanded into youth detention. He is next expected to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on September 20.