A STOLEN van was used by would-be thieves in a failed ram raid attempt.

The grey Ford Transit van - taken from Teesside Park, near Stockton - was backed into boiler room doors at Northgate Vehicles, in Allington Way, Darlington, on Sunday, between 12.53pm and 1pm.

When the attempt failed, the would-be thieves turned the vehicle around and drove into the doors. They broke through, but drove off empty-handed and abandoned the van in Stockton.

Anybody with information is asked to contact Darlington police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555111.