A burglary at a County Durham nature reserve has sparked anger from residents who live nearby. 

On the evening of December 10, Low Barns Nature Reserve in Witton Le Wear was targeted in a burglary, which saw items from the visitor centre taken. 

Officers from Durham Police have since launched an investigation and have asked for any witnesses to this incident - but residents have questioned why anyone would want to target a nature site. 

In the aftermath, one local, who wished to remain anonymous said: "This is an awful thing for the nature reserve - they run a lot of community events here and to see it broken into like this is disgusting - I'm angered that someone could go so low as to target somewhere of this kind."

The resident added that she hopes those responsible for the burglary are "caught and punished". 

Meanwhile, police have called on people to help them in their enquiries. 

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A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "Officers are appealing for information regarding a burglary at Low Barns Nature Reserve, Witton Le Wear.

"The burglary happened the evening of December 10 around 6.55pm.

"If you have any information regarding this incident or seen anything suspicious around this time, please contact PC 9201 Elms via 101 or email Christopher.Elms@durham.police.uk."