A two-day crackdown has led to 56 untaxed or uninsured cars being taken off the road.

Operation Coeval has also resulted in the questioning of 60 suspected benefit cheats.

Police and custom officers were joined by street wardens and pensions and DVLA staff as inquiries were conducted in Seaham, Easington, South Hetton, Haswell and Murton, east Durham.

Inspector Gary Fraser said: "This has been for all those who play by the rules - and the message is if you don't then we are coming for you.''

The clampdown also resulted in nine people being signed off for claiming benefits, two being arrested for using red diesel and two others being arrested for failing to appear at magistrates' courts.