CONCERN has been raised by residents in a poorly lit road after a suspected burglar was challenged.

Householders in Railway Terrace, Eaglescliffe, are demanding something is done to make them feel safer after the incident.

The potholed road is not owned by Stockton Borough Council and, as a result, it has no streetlights. Residents fear the darkness is being exploited by burglars and prowlers

Residents' spokeswoman Jane Orton said: "It is increasingly worrying. There are several single women living on the terrace. Once the platform and perimeter lights at Eaglescliffe station go out, about 11pm, it is pitch black. The only light is from the houses.

"It is a private road and all we want to do is make it more secure."

She is calling on Stockton council to look at providing residents with an alleygate, which have proved successful in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool in keeping unwelcome visitors and burglars out.

Mrs Orton said a man was challenged after being caught in a garden, but he said he was lost.

She said: "He was looking for a house with a door or window open, to see if there was a man around. You have to have windows open in this heat.

"You get used to the odd drunk turning up in the terrace after the pubs close, but this man had evil intent. The more you think about it, the more worrying it is."

The incident has been reported to police.