A FAMILY-run coach company has been devastated after valuable equipment was stolen during a break-in.

A large tool box and tools worth about £10,000 were taken from the Lee's Coaches garage at Langley Moor, between 5.30pm last night, Wednesday, August 5 and 6.30am this morning, Thursday, August 6.

It is believed the thieves drove to the rear of the Mill Road premises and forced open the rear fire door, before making off with the equipment.

Manager Kristian Collin said: "The travel and transport industry has been heavily affected by Covid-19 and we are trying to look forward to recovering and the schools getting back in September.

"We need that kit to maintain vehicles. We have insurance but we will have to replace the tools – some of which were the mechanics' own and accrued over a lifetime of work.

"One mechanic has been here ten years and his dad gave him tools before he passed, so there is a personal impact too.

"This is an extra challenge a recovering business didn't need."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101 quoting incident 72 of August 6.