THREE women have been arrested after police searched a house for stolen property.

Officers from Northumbria Police carried out an early morning search at an address in The Crescent, in West Rainton, near Durham on Wednesday (March 26).

A large amount of children’s clothing, handbags, purses and alcohol, all believed to have been stolen, were seized.

Three women, aged 47, 20 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen property and have been bailed pending further enquiries.

The arrests form part of Northumbria Police's Operation Soundwave, aimed at tackling those involved in theft and burglary across the force area.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191 for the attention of PC 1395 Paul Spackman.