A PUB was targeted twice in the early hours of the same day by burglars.

The Black Horse Inn, in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, was broken into at around 12.35am on Wednesday, February 13, and again just a few hours later between 6am and 6.12am.

Durham police said entry was forced via the rear doors of the premises and the three suspects caused substantial damage inside the pub. They stole a number of charity boxes and a 'significant amount of cash'.

The thieves left on foot from the back of the premises but it is not known which way they made off.

Officers believe the same culprits returned a few hours later for a second raid on the pub.

During the time of the second break-in, several passers-by were seen to pass the premises.

  • Detectives are now urging anyone who was in the area and believes they saw the suspects or can provide any information about the incident to call Durham police on 101 quoting reference number 68 of 13/02/2019.