FOUR members of a family of Romanian gypsies have been charged with a series of burglaries in North-West Durham.

A man, two women and a teenage girl were initially arrested in Berwick in Northumberland on Friday, accused of shoplifting.

But they were brought to Consett police station on Saturday when it was realised they were wanted in connection with distraction burglaries in County Durham.

The family is alleged to have been involved in three burglaries last week, one in Lanchester and two in the Consett area in which more than £7,000 in money and jewellery were stolen.

In one instance £350 in cash and £5,000 in jewellery were taken from a flat above a shop in Consett town centre. On the same day £700 disappeared from a newsagents in Lanchester and further £1,500 was taken from another general dealer's shop in Leadgate

Paul Celestin, 29, Mariana Brindusa, 31, Christina Goman, 30 and a 13-year-old girl were all remanded in custody when they appeared at a special sitting at Peterlee magistrates. A silver Audi 80 has been seized by police.

In addition to being interviewed by police the accused have also been met by immigration officials. A man and woman, thought to be members of the same family group, are still being sought. The four have been remanded in custody until their next court appearance next week.