NINE floodlights have been stolen from one of the North-East’s most famous landmarks.

Thieves struck at Penshaw Monument, the Greek-style Victorian folly next to the A183, five miles from Sunderland city centre.

The Philips LED Color Reach units were taken between 5pm on Friday (April 17) and 8am on Monday (April 20).

They cost £20,000, and are low-wattage, energy efficient, emit no heat, and are for outdoor use only.

Les Clark, Head of Streetscene,at Sunderland City Council, said: "This has set work back on new and updated floodlighting for one of Sunderland's and, indeed, the region's most loved and recognisable landmarks.

"We had been hoping to begin some testing in the coming weeks so this is very frustrating for people who have been working on this project.

"The thieves appear to have gone to some considerable effort on this and yet the lights are of little use to anybody. They're are for specialised floodlighting operations and cannot be used as grow lights (CORRECT)."

Northumbria Police Neighbourhood Inspector Lisa Musgrove said: "We're carrying out enquiries into the theft and are asking any witnesses to come forward.

"If anyone was in the area and saw anything suspicious, or has information about where the floodlights are or has been offered floodlights for sale, we would ask them to contact us."

Call 101, extension 69191, quoting reference 289 190415 , or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.