POLICE are appealing for information after a would-be thief tried to sneak into a house.

It happened on Friday (February 14) at an address in Pine Street, Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street.

The householder was alerted to the man's presence at the back of the house by the barking of his two dogs. When challenged, the intruder claimed he had got the wrong address and then walked away quickly.

The man is described as being slim, 6ft tall, aged about 30 with a bald/shaved head.

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Police on 101 quoting crime reference number WG1400295.