POLICE and fire officials forced their way into a house after reports of a gas leak.

Transco contacted Hartlepool police at 7.50pm on Tuesday after officials had failed to rouse the residents of a house where there was a strong smell of gas. A gas meter reading for the property showed a gas leak but there was no answer when officials knocked on the door.

Detective Sergeant Tony Green of Hartlepool CID said: "Two police officers liaised with the fire brigade to gain entry to the house. A male and female occupant were discovered safe and well. It was found there was an illegal supply of gas at this address and investigations are on-going to locate the landlord.