A TORY candidate in the forthcoming General Election has complained to police about his signs which have been torn down and stolen.

Richard Bell, who is standing for the Conservatives in the Bishop Auckland constituency, has asked police to watch out for vandalism of his campaign signs.

The move comes after signs and wooden stakes on private land at Evenwood Gate were torn down. Some of the signs and stakes were stolen. A sign at Gainford was also stolen.

Mr Bell said: "I am asking the police to be vigilant and prosecute anybody they see interfering with election signs. I would also ask my political opponents to join me in condemning this behaviour."

Vandalism of Conservative party signs has also been reported in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.