TWO teenagers have admitted taking part in a robbery during which a terrified family barricaded themselves into their farm.

The 71-year-old farmer retreated into the house following a confrontation with the pair, one of whom was said to have been armed with a wrench.

He challenged them after he saw them acting suspiciously on his property, in Teesdale, County Durham, on February 14.

The raiders then tried to force their way into the farmhouse as the farmer and his 34-year-old daughter tried to prevent them opening the door.

In the struggle that followed, as threats were shouted, glass in the door was broken, injuring the farmer in the face.

Their ordeal only ended when the farmer’s wife threw keys to her Nissan Primera out of the window and the pair drove away.

A police car later saw the Primera in the Witton Park area and chased it through Woodhouse Close and Tindale Crescent, in Bishop Auckland.

It was abandoned in nearby Shildon.

Eighteen-year-old Anthony Etherington and a 17-year-old co-accused, who cannot be named because of his age, were charged with robbery and other offences.

Appearing at Durham Crown Court yesterday, Etherington, of Dean Street, Shildon, admitted robbery, attempted theft of a Subaru Legacy, aggravated vehicletaking, dangerous driving, and driving while disqualified, the last three charges relating to the Nissan Primera.

Further charges of damaging property, relating to a Citroen Saxo and assault by beating, in Bishop Auckland, also on February 14, were denied by Etherington.

David Crook, prosecuting, said no evidence would be offered on the two charges denied by Etherington.

The 17-year-old admitted robbery, attempted theft and aggravated vehicle-taking.

Both were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on June 4.