FOUR pubs suspected of serving after-hours drinks were raided in a County Durham village over the weekend.

Acting Inspector Brian Maudling, of Bishop Auckland police, confirmed they had targeted four pubs in Coundon town centre late on Friday night, but would not say which ones.

"The licensees will be spoken to and a decision will be made on whether or not to prosecute," he said.

"We believe there is a link between violent crime and after-hours drinking, and we decided to take positive action."

Locals have complained recently about the amount of violence which is taking place as a result of late-night drinking.

A man, who has not been named, was taken to hospital last Saturday after he was found outside the Durham Ox pub in Collingwood Street with suspected head injuries. A man was arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail on Sunday.

The body of Gary Walton, 37, was discovered in the garden of the Miners' Arms pub, just along from the Durham Ox. Police said the incidents were not linked.