A COUPLE who have owned a shop for almost half a century without incident were left shaken after being woken up by would-be burglars armed with a hammer and metal objects.

Grandparents Dennis and Joyce Jordan were in bed above their shop in Trimdon Colliery, near Sedgefield, when they heard a loud banging noise coming from downstairs yesterday (Thursday, February 22).

The pair, who are in their 60s and 70s, opened the window to discover three males - equipped with a hammer and two metal objects - trying to break through the window of their business and "pride and joy", D & J Jordan Off Licence.

They said: "At around 12.15am [on Thursday morning] shortly after going to bed, we were disturbed by a loud banging noise coming from the front of the shop.

"We opened the window to see three males trying to break the shop window.

"We shouted out to them and they ran off down the street.

"Several neighbours were also alerted to the noise.

"We have had the business (General Dealers and Off Licence) for over 46 years and until recently we have been relatively unaffected by crime and anti-social behaviour."

Mr and Mrs Jordan were left shaken but were determined to carry on as usual and were open to customers within hours.

The incident comes just weeks after another window of the store, on Commercial Street, was broken by a brick thrown by what the couple believe to be youths.

News of the attack has attracted a wave of support for the business owners - from customers in person and members of the public taking to Facebook.

"We are thankful for the support and kind words we have received from our customers, including this one: 'It is infuriating that people would do this to such kind and hard working people. I feel so sad and upset for them'."

The business in the village has been Mr Jordan's long-lived dream - having wanted as a youngster to own a shop and play in a band.

Both wishes the businessman has fulfilled as cornet player Mr Jordan is a proud member and secretary of Trimdon Concert Brass Band.

A spokesperson for Durham Police confirmed the force was called to reports off an attempted burglary at the store at about 12.20am on Thursday.

They added: "Three suspects all in dark clothing, armed with a hammer and two metal objects attempted to force entry into the shop. The burglars were disturbed however and made off towards St Paul’s Road."

Anyone with any information about the attempted burglary is asked to contact on 101, quoting incident number 3 of February 22.