Jewellery and cash were stolen after thieves broke into a Durham house while the owner was on holiday.

The break-in, which happened in the Stonebridge area between Thursday, May 26 and Saturday, May 28, was discovered when the owner returned home from holiday.

A number of distinctive pieces were taken, including a women’s Cartier watch with a white three-quarter inch dial face with Roman numeral numbers, which has a heavily worn crocodile strap, and an 18 carat gold case with a sapphire gem stone on the winder with a brown leather strap.

Also taken was £900 in cash, a Ted Baker women’s watch with a white dial face, stainless steel case with a Prussian blue thick leather strap, a six inch bracelet with a double strand of black pearls and white pearls with gem stones near the sliding clasp and a gold six inch bracelet which comprises of a chain link with a padlock clasp and safety chain jewel.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. The crime reference is ED1602732