POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a Christmas Day burglary.

Power tools and cash were stolen from business premises in Trimdon Grange on Saturday night after the entrance was forced open.

Police were called to the scene at about 10pm after a suspicious villager raised the alarm.

They scrambled the air support unit from Teesside to hover over the village.

Later that night, a vehicle and some stolen items were recovered from the Peterlee area.

Inspector Steve Ball said: "We were on the scene within about nine minutes of receiving the call and hoped to apprehend someone at the premises.

"The streets were probably pretty quiet at that time on Christmas Day so someone might remember seeing something that could help us.

"Inquiries are ongoing in the Peterlee area but we are appealing for more information.

"I would remind people to stay vigilant during the festive period and, if they have concerns, to call us because we do react the same as any other time of year."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious is urged to contact Newton Aycliffe CID on (01325) 314401 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.