A FAMILY'S skull and crossbones flag which offended authorities has been stolen.

Julia and Paul Pouton said they woke on Sunday to find that the £9 flag had been stolen during the night from their council house in Durham.

The flag, which was bought by their teenage son, Alan, at a steam rally, had been ordered down by a Durham City Council housing officer.

The family had vowed to keep it flying, saying it was a bit of fun that would not offend anyone.

Mrs Pouton said: "We had been away to York on Saturday and when we got back just after 7pm, it was there, and it was still there when we went to bed at 10.30pm.

"On Sunday morning, it was gone. They have climbed on to the front porch and taken the flag and the pole.

"How could they do that when there is a big security camera operating nearby?

"I did not report it to the police because I think they would just laugh. I was mad when I found it had gone. It was the thought of them coming into the garden and climbing up near the bedroom.''

Mrs Pouton said her son was planning to get a larger skull and crossbones flag as a replacement. She said: "I don't know if anyone has one that they would want to donate to us."