Poundland shop ram-raided with loader in Bishop Auckland

Poundland, on Newgate Street, suffered extensive damage during the raid, which saw a front loader smash through the rear wall.

A spokesman for Durham Police said: "Officers received reports of damage at Poundland on Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland shortly before 11pm (October 16).

"It is believed a red loader has ram-raided the premises, causing significant damage to the rear of the building.

"Nothing was taken during the incident however the loader and white transit van were left at the scene. It is believed the suspects made off in a blue Ford Focus."

Crime scene investigators at the scene in Bishop Auckland

Police tape over the doors of Poundland, on Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland. Picture: Georgia Banks

The shop, which backs onto A689 Kingsway, has suffered extensive damage during the incident with the majority of the back wall now gone.

A witness said: “There’s a front loader crashed into the back of the shop. The whole back wall has been smashed down, you can see straight into the shop.

The scene on Kingsway where a front loader has smashed through the rear wall of Poundland. Picture: Georgia Banks

Police cordon off an area at the rear of Newgate Street's Poundland after a front loader smashed through the rear wall of the shop. Picture: Stuart Boulton

“To the left of the construction vehicle there was a transit van with the doors open and a police car as well, the shop is a mess.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Bishop CID on 101 quoting incident number 444 of October 16.

Police say enquiries are ongoing.