MEMBERS of a family have been freezing cold for the past week after their gas meter was stolen from the side of their house.

Thieves took the card top-up meter from the property at Ladysmith Court, South Stanley, County Durham, last Tuesday.

Mother-of-three teenagers Joanne Liddle, 38, has been calling npower ever since, to get a replacement, without success.

The family has been without gas central heating, an oven, stove or hot water as the region has been in the grip of freezing temperatures.

Ms Liddle has been feeding Samantha, 16, Christopher, 15, and 14-year-old Chantay on microwave meals because they have no other source of heat.

It has been so cold that the family has to wear several layers of clothes and wrap up in blankets to prevent hypothermia.

Ms Liddle said: "I have had the kids in the house with their coats on all week, and they have to wear them even at night.

"I want to feed my kids properly, but I can't because I have no hob. It is a real health hazard and I am so worried. We need warmth and food. This is an emergency."

The Northern Echo contacted npower and a spokesman said the company would try to get a meter installed last night.

She said npower had made the property safe, but failed to arrange to install a replacement.

She said: "I'm just so sorry that Joanne has had to endure such a prolonged time without any heating in what has been an extremely cold spell, and I do hope we can make it up to her with a goodwill gesture."

Sergeant Susan Murray, of Stanley Police, said officers were investigating the theft and urged anyone with information to get in touch.

The number to call is 0845 60 60 365.