POLICE are following a number of leads about a robbery in which an elderly couple were tied up while a masked gang ransacked their home.

The incident took place at an isolated farm house near Butterknowle, Teesdale, at about 8.50pm on Tuesday.

The couple, in their 60s, were left extremely shocked by the 20-minute ordeal, which saw the raiders make off with cash and jewellery worth between £1,000 and £2,000.

A police spokeswoman said the investigation was continuing with officers following a number of lines of inquiry.

Police continue to appeal for anyone who saw a suspicious vehicle in or around Butterknowle between 8pm and 9pm on Tuesday to contact them.

Anyone with information should contact 101 and ask for Crook CID.