Police are investigating a 'targeted attack' at a pub that saw two pigs heads left at the venue earlier this morning (August 12). 

At around 6.45am, police received a report of suspicious activity at the Coach and Horses on Durham Road in Birtley.

It was reported that a vehicle had pulled up outside the premises and a number of people and began causing damage.

Read more: Car crashes into bollards on A692 in Hobson, County Durham

The offenders left two pigs heads at the scene before leaving the area.

No one was injured but officers from Northumbria Police are taking the incident incredibly seriously and an investigation has been launched.

The scene has since been cleaned and police remain in the area, carrying out a range of enquiries to establish the full circumstances and to identify those responsible.

Police are also asking for anyone with information that may assist the investigation to come forward.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Disorder of this nature will not be tolerated and anyone found to be involved will be dealt with robustly.

"While enquiries are at an early stage, it is not believed there is any wider risk to the public.

"We are also aware that images are being circulated on social media and we would urge people not to speculate, and please share any photographs with police to assist the investigation."

Anyone with information should call 101, or use the ‘Tell us Something' page on Northumbria Police's website, quoting log NP-20230812-0270.