POLICE have issued a warning after a teenage house party spiralled out of control.

Up to 30 youngsters were at the party in Hurworth, near Darlington, at the home of Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo.

At the time Mr Barron and wife Heather were out of the country - on a holiday to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary - and were unaware of events until they returned.

Police are now investigating the theft of jewellery, together with other items including cosmetics and perfume on Friday, June 21.

Investigating officer Detective Ian Banham appealed for whoever took the items to hand them in at Darlington police station within the next week.

He said: “Peter is willing to deal with this as a restorative approach which would mean that those responsible would not be going through the criminal court system.

“They would have to take responsibility for their actions and face up to their victims and we would urge them to hand the jewellery into Darlington police station or call us and ask for a member of CID.”

Det Banham said the incident should serve as warning to other parents whose children may be planning on holding a party in their absence.

He said: “The police would suggest that children who hold parties at their own homes should always be under adult supervision.

“We would recommend that areas of the house are closed off to party-goers, and that is why an adult is really needed to make sure that certain rooms remain out of bounds.

“If a party is going ahead, we would say it needs to be with friends that your child can trust.

“Don’t put it on facebook or Twitter because then anyone can turn up.

“And make sure that your child is strong enough to stand up and say ‘no’ to people who are not invited but say they are going to turn up anyway.”

Mr Barron added: “Important lessons have been learned and I hope what has happened will act as a warning to parents and young people about how easily parties, arranged with innocent intentions, can spiral out of control.”

Anybody who knows the whereabouts of the stolen items should contact Darlington Police on 101 and ask for Detective Ian Banham.