TWO four-wheel-drive vehicles stolen over the weekend were spotted near the scene of an attempted crime.

An Izuzu Trooper and a short-wheelbase Land Rover, both white, were seen in West Auckland on Sunday night and were later found abandoned in Wellgarth, Evenwood.

Police said a passer-by called them to West Auckland when they saw people in the vehicles acting suspiciously in the Front Street area.

The Izuzu had been stolen from Hall Terrace, Willington, between 4.30pm and 7.30pm on Sunday and the Land Rover, which had the registration number H971 CRG, from Stanley Crook.

Detective Sergeant Kieran Reed, of Crook police, said: "We believe that both vehicles were going to be used in a crime and are asking for any information which would help us piece together their movements."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crook CID, on (01388) 762011, or Bishop Auckland CID, on (01388) 603566.

Detectives are also investigating a foiled ram raid on the Environment Agency's building on the Beechburn Industrial Estate, Crook, on Saturday night.

Door shutters were bent in the raid, but the culprits fled after an alarm went off.