THIEVES who stole two dogs from an upper Teesdale house last month have returned to the same property to steal another pair.

On June 29, two Patterdale terriers, a dog and a bitch, were taken from a home in Lunedale, and have still yet to be found.

Last Wednesday, police believe the same thieves returned and stole an English springer spaniel and a cocker spaniel.

The latter was found on Thursday in a school playground, in the Eldon Lane area of Bishop Auckland.

Sergeant Ed Turner, of Barnard Castle police, said: "These are not just valuable animals, they are also family pets. It seems that whoever stole the dogs left one in the Bishop Auckland area, so we would like to hear from anyone from around there that has perhaps been offered the dogs.

"A red Transit van was seen in the Lunedale area at the time of the thefts, so we would also like to hear from anyone who perhaps has seen that."

The English spaniel is a black and white with a white nose and a black spot on it.

One Patterdale terrier stolen last month is black and brown, with distinctive black-tipped hair.

Anyone with any information can call Barnard Castle police on 0845-60-60-365 or 0800-555-111.