A POLICE force has pledged to continue investigating an incident where a car crashed into a house, despite previously telling the victim that “no further action would be taken”.

Retired ambulance driver John Booth, from Darlington, expressed his disbelief at receiving a letter from Durham Police last month informing him that, due to insufficient evidence, there would be no prospect of conviction over the incident.

In January, a car smashed into the back of Mr Booth’s van, which was parked on Neasham Road, before crashing through his garden wall and hitting his house, damaging the front door.

Although he claimed for the damages on his insurance, the claim was recorded as being his fault, causing his premiums to go up, and Mr Booth hoped the court case would help to reimburse him.

In yesterday’s Northern Echo, Mr Booth spoke of his disbelief at being told by the police that, although they had traced the two females and one male who had run away the scene after the crash, there was not enough evidence to gain a conviction.

After emailing Ron Hogg, the County Durham and Darlington’s Police Crime and Victims Commissioner, to express his frustration over the matter, Mr Booth received a reply from Mr Hogg, who describing the decision not to prosecute as “bemusing”.

In his email, Mr Hogg also vowed to investigate the case further.

However, yesterday afternoon, Durham Police said the investigation would continue after new information came to light.

A statement released by the force assured Mr Booth that officers had not given up on the case.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, Helen McMillan, said: “We pride ourselves on putting victims at the heart of everything we do.

“Therefore it is disappointing that the victim in this case, Mr Booth, is not satisfied with the outcome.

“I have since reviewed this case and information has come to light which suggests that all lines of enquiry have not been exhausted.

“This investigation will continue.

“I would like to personally reassure Mr Booth that we have not given up on this case and we will do everything we can to bring people to justice.”