More than 1,000 homes had power cut off after power lines in Bishop Auckland were damaged - costing tens of thousands of pounds. 

The incident took place on October 1 at around 6pm when the lines were damaged in the village of Leeholme, near Leeholme Road. 

Roughly 1,200 homes were left without power locally as a result of the incident, with Durham Constabulary estimating the cost implication as being tens thousands of pounds. 

The force has now launched an appeal for anyone with any information to get in touch. 

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Click here.

A statement said: "Officers are appealing for information following an incident that took place on 1st October at approx. 6pm on Leeholme Road, Leeholme, Bishop Auckland.

"Power lines in the area were damaged and 1200 homes were without power locally as a result of the incident with the cost implication potentially in the 10s of thousands.

"If you have any information that may assist in our enquiries or have any CCTV, please call 101 quoting ref no 288 of 1 Oct and ask for PC 9659 Blakelock."