A FRIGHTENED couple were pushed to the floor by a knife-wielding intruder who forced his way into their caravan to steal money.

Police are appealing for information about the burglary at the caravan in the Craghead are, near Stanley on Monday (Feb 2) night which left the couple distressed.

At around 10.15pm, the 69-year-old man and 68-year-old woman were in their caravan when their dogs started barking and they looked out of the door.

The couple were confronted by an armed burglar wearing camouflage, who pushed them to the ground and demanded to know where they kept their money.

The frightened couple handed over a small amount of cash which the intruder grabbed before making off towards Craghead in a vehicle he had parked nearby.

Detective Inspector Gavin Heckles, of Durham Police, said: “Incidents such as this are fortunately very rare in this area, but it was a very distressing experience for the couple.

“They have managed to give us a good description of the burglar and I am hoping someone may have information which could help us identify him, or trace the vehicle he was using.”

The burglar was white and around 5` 10” tall with a stocky build. He was wearing a dark woollen hat with a dark scarf, a camouflage jacket and camouflage trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Consett CID via 101 or Crimestoppers, 0800 555111.