A County Durham tradesman whose home was hit by a devastating fire last year has suffered another blow after his equipment was stolen on a job in London.

33-year-old Adam Walker from Spennymoor "eats, sleeps and breathes" his joinery business The Northern Workshop - but has been left devastated after his van was broken into earlier this month.

The dad, who just over a year ago saw the roof of his renovated cottage destroyed by a fluke fire says his equipment, some of which he has been using for a decade, was stolen as he was parked outside a hotel on November 5.

Adam's van after it was burgled.Adam's van after it was burgled. (Image: ADAM WALKER) Adam parked his van outside the Aparthotel Adagio London Brentford on Ealing Road and woke up to find the van ransacked and estimates the value of the tools stolen to be close to £10,000.

He told The Northern Echo: "I had just got to London for a week of walk - and the easiest thing for me to do at the time was park at the hotel and start the next day.

"I left the van at about 6:15pm and came back in the morning to see the door had been forced open - every one of the toolboxes had been emptied." 

Fortunately, Adam was able to buy himself new tools to continue his business which includes everything from joinery to building bespoke furniture.

However, he is sympathetic to other business owners who may not have that choice.

He added: "Not everyone is in the position to be able to buy a new van and kit."

But, this is not the only obstacle Adam has faced in the last year and a half.

In early August 2023, the roof of his cottage went up in flames and his family only moved back into the home seven weeks ago.

Damage to the roof by the fire.Damage to the roof by the fire. (Image: ADAM WALKER) He said: "I was bathing my children when something fell out of the ceiling. We didn't think much of it at that moment.

"My partner Sarah got the kids out and dried them off but then the electricity went off downstairs. My son came up and said 'Daddy, the electricity has gone off.'

"At that point, we were at our switchboard when people started banging on our doors. My neighbours just said 'Adam, your roof is on fire'.

Damage caused to the roof.Damage caused to the roof. (Image: ADAM WALKER) "I thought, it can't be, but the smoke was bowling down the street. I was shocked completely and got everyone out.

"I went back to my room where we had doors going up to the attic. I opened them a crack and flames just wrapped around the corner."

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Luckily, nobody was hurt in the fire and the home has since been renovated again.

As for where Adam's tools ended up - it is not known.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that an investigation into the theft has closed "pending further investigative opportunities becoming available".