POLICE are appealing for the owner of a quad bike they believe was stolen earlier this week to come forward.

The green and black Kawasaki 4x4 Bayou vehicle was found in Bond Isle Way, Stanhope, on Wednesday and has since been in police possession.

Detective Constable Sarah Bainbridge, of Bishop Auckland CID, believes the bike was stolen from a property in the Stanhope area and the thieves were disturbed or unable to move the vehicle so dumped it in the street.

Anyone with information, or who thinks the bike belongs to them, is asked to telephone police on (01388) 603566, extension 2363 to provide ownership details.