THIEVES who stole 20 koi carp from a garden pond in Weardale have left a four-year-old boy heartbroken.

Peter Unsworth helped his father, Michael, look after the fish in his own fish tank until they were able to be put into the pond at the rear of the family home in Coronation Avenue, Stanhope.

The youngster is now deeply upset that thieves have ruined his chance of watching the fish grow.

The animals were also a source of comfort for 36-year-old Mr Unsworth, who is recovering from a bad road traffic accident last year.

He said: "My wife persuaded me to get the pond put in earlier this year so that it would give me something to do and get me out of the house.''

Police are appealing for witnesses to what is believed to be an early morning raid between October 26 and 28, to call (01388) 762011.

Mr Unsworth said: "They knew what they were looking for because they stole medication, food and other equipment."