AN ICE cream parlour has appealed for help in finding its van after it was stolen from outside the business.

The distinctive red and white VW was taken from outside the award-winning Lickety Split Creamery in North Terrace, Seaham, east Durham, on Friday night.

An appeal was posted in the Lickety Split Facebook page, saying: "Our little van was stolen from outside the parlour within the last 20 hours.

"Please share this to get it viral so we can catch the scum that did this."

It is believed the thieves towed away the van.

It was last seen heading north up the A19, near Murton, shortly before midnight on Friday.

Lickety Split has been a popular part of Seaham's seafront since 2007.

Anyone who has seen the van is asked to contact Durham Police on 101.