A VAN was stolen during the Marathon of The North in Sunderland over the weekend.

Thieves stole a set of van keys from inside a marquee in the garden area at Sunderland Museum and Art Gallery at around 2.50pm on Saturday, The white VW Crafter van was then taken from Laura Street.

The van had a number of items including iPods, sports clothing and equipment and bottles of water inside when it was taken.

Sunderland Inspector Mick Hall said: "The keys to the van were stolen from the pocket of a jacket while the race was ongoing and I'd appeal for anyone who saw any suspicious people or behaviour at the Sunderland museum around the time of the theft to contact us.

"We are checking CCTV and carrying out further enquiries to try and locate the van."

Enquiries to locate the van and the stolen items are ongoing and anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact police on the 101 non-emergency number, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.