VANDALS in a north Durham town have destroyed more than 50 lampposts, causing £1,250 worth of damage.

The culprits have obtained a key to open the inspection covers on the lampposts in Moorside, Consett. They then rip apart the wires and fuses.

Police have launched a campaign to catch the vandals who, they say, are putting their own lives at risk. A total of 51 lampposts have been attacked.

Detective constable Shaun Bailey, of Consett Police CID, said: "We have implemented special measures to make sure these people are caught. The lampposts are dotted around the place and are not based on one street.

"This is something we just will not tolerate."