A POLICE raid on two houses uncovered part of the contents of a pub and thousands of pounds worth of gardening equipment.

Detectives swooped on two homes in Popular Terrace, West Cornforth, County Durham, this week, and found a treasure trove of allegedly stolen goods, including lawnmowers, strimmers and garden ornaments, and electrical goods.

Police were also surprised to find fittings stripped from a pub, including bar stools, a fire place, a gaming machine and snooker cues.

It is thought they were taken from a pub in the village that has been shut while awaiting a new tenant.

Detective Sergeant Paul Roe, of Spennymoor police, said officers were surprised by the extent of the haul, describing the two rented houses as an "Aladdin's cave".

"I would estimate there was about £10,000 worth of stuff in there. Virtually the whole contents of a pub had been stripped," he said.

"We have also recovered some property we believe has come from garden sheds in the West Cornforth area."

Police are appealing to the public to help them trace the owners of the items they have recovered. If anyone believes some of the property belongs to them, they should contact Spennymoor police on (01388) 814411 over the weekend to arrange a viewing of the items.

l A brother and sister in their twenties, from West Cornforth, appeared before Sedgefield magistrates on Thursday charged with burglary and are due to appear again on Monday.

Another woman arrested at the same time has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.