A RARE species of amphibian has caused work to be postponed on a housing site after its habitat was damaged.

Building on the Moorfield site, in Firthmoor, Darlington, has been delayed because of the threat to the endangered great-crested newt.

The newts, which live on the adjacent Maidendale local nature reserve run by Darlington Borough Council, were protected during the work by a specially-erected fence.

But work was suspended on the site and police were called when the protection was found to have been breached.

A spokesman for English Nature said: "The Darlington area represents a key stronghold for the species within the North-East region, with more than 30 great-crested newt sites recorded in the area."

The spokesman added English Nature advised developers to conduct surveys and impact assessments before planning applications were made, and to stick to planning consent.

He added: "We are, therefore, providing advice to the police regarding these requirements as part of their investigation into this matter."

The great-crested newt is protected under European and UK wildlife law. In the past 40 years, numbers have plummeted across the continent because of destruction of its pond habitats.

Chief Inspector Graham Rankin, wildlife liaison officer with Durham Constabulary, said there had been reckless disturbance and damage to the newts' habitat.

He added: "We will be gathering evidence and ultimately forwarding our findings to the Crown Prosecution Service. They will decide what action is to be taken."

The site is being developed by both Haslam and Barratt Homes.

Brian Lilley, sales director for Haslam Homes North-East, said: "Haslam Homes is committed to the protection of the environment wherever we operate and take all conservation issues seriously.

"The preservation of the great-crested newt is a priority for the consortium at the Moorfield development in Darlington."

A Barratt spokesman said: "It was brought to our attention that the newt fence had been breached. Both Barratt and our development partners take seriously their responsibilities towards environmental and ecological issues."

Both firms said they were helping with the investigation and would be making repairs to the fence to protect the newt population.

A spokesman for thecouncil also confirmed the authority was helping police and English Nature with their inquiries.