ONE dog was beaten and three stolen in a burglary at kennels in County Durham.

Police have now appealed for information about the incident, which happened in Coxhoe, and for help to trace the stolen dogs which are still missing nearly four weeks later.

The burglars forced entry to secure kennels at Coxhoe Kennels, in Wylam Terrace, between 5pm and 8pm on Sunday, January 26.

They beat one dog before leading the three cocker spaniels away with their leads on.

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident reference number 131 of January 27.