TWO men from London appeared in court yesterday accused of taking part in break-ins at Durham University.

The pair are alleged to have burgled the Stockton Road science complex on different dates last December, intending to take valuable computer equipment.

John Eubaston Duffis, 42, is charged with burglary at the site on December 17, while 20-year-old James Emmerson Stewart is accused of a break-in on December 22.

Both were arrested by Durham detectives, working in conjunction with counterparts from the Metropolitan force, at addresses in London last Friday.

Appearing before North Durham magistrates, sitting at Peterlee, Mr Duffis, of Jamaica Inn, south London, was remanded in custody to appear back before the court on Monday, with a committal date of July 1 to transfer the case to the crown court.

Mr Stewart, of Flint Street, Walworth, also south London, was granted conditional bail, to appear before Chester-le-Street magistrates on July 11 for a hearing to commit the case to crown court.