GUNS, including shotguns and a bolt action rifle, have been stolen during a house burglary.

Police are appealing for information after intruders broke into a house in the County Durham village of Heslesden, near Peterlee, and made off with three legally-held firearms.

Thieves forced their way into the house in Front Street last Thursday evening and stole what police are describing as a "substantial" amount of cash and also broke into the owner's firearms cabinet, which housed two shotguns and a rifle.

Among the weapons they stole was a 12 bore side-by-side double barrel shotgun with a walnut butt and stock, described as an old-style wildfowl gun.

The second was a 12 bore Contento over-and-under shotgun, also with a walnut stock. There is a minor fault on the stock which has been repaired.

The third firearm was a .22 rim bolt action rifle with a beech effect butt and stock and fitted with a silencer.

Acting Sgt John Brownhill said: "All the weapons were legally owned and were stored correctly.

"It is obviously a matter of concern these firearms are now in the hands of criminals and we are making enquiries in the area to try and locate them."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Peterlee police on 0345 6060365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.