Police have launched an investigation after holes were found drilled into shower cubicles at a North-East university.

Students at Durham University complained at the end of last term two weeks ago after discovering holes had been bored in nine unisex cubicles in a recently refurbished accommodation block.

The holes, on various floors of the Tyne block at Van Mildert College, raised fears that students of both sexes might have been spied whilst showering.

The university says how they got there remains a mystery but they have now been filled.

But it is stressing that there is no evidence so far that any students were watched taking a shower.

University spokesman Keith Seacroft said a hole was discovered in the wall of one recently-installed shower cubicle and a service space and then others were found.

"It wasn't really clear whether the hole was something left over from the installation work or had been deliberately drilled. The hole was filled in and other holes were found in other similar situations.

"There is no actual evidence that they were ever used and the service rooms are only small spaces no bigger than the showers.

"They provide access to services like pipes and cables and are not used by students.

"There is a possibility that students might have got into them in the autumn term but before Christmas different locks were put on them.

"Before that we had contractors coming and out and lots of people could have had access.

"There is no evidence that completely explains how the holes got there or whether they have been used for anything.''

Mr Seacroft said access to the service spaces had been secured.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: "We have received a complaint from the authorities at the college and we are investigating.''

But he added there was no evidence that any spying on naked students had taken place. "The only evidence is that holes appear to have been drilled in the walls.''