AN investigation is underway after four men made of with stock from a mobile phone shop.

Police were called to the O2 store, in Bishop Auckland, at 11.40am on Sunday following reports that four men had stolen a number of phones from the Newgate Street store.

CRIME: The O2 store was open as usual on Monday Video: KATIE MacFARLANE

Initial reports described the incident as a robbery but a Durham Police spokesperson has confirmed it is being treated as a theft.

She said: "Four males were seen running into the shop, they grabbed a number of display phones before making off on foot towards Bondgate. No arrests have been made however, the investigation into theft is ongoing."

Durham County Councillor for Bishop Auckland Town, Cllr Sam Zair, said: “These are worrying times for the town as a whole and also businesses. The important thing is that once again no one has been injured. Even though we have had some adverse press lately, Bishop Auckland is a safe place to visit and shop.”