A teenager has been charged in connection with several alleged robberies in County Durham.

Two shops and a local resident were targeted on Tuesday (March 12) in three separate incidents in the Ferryhill area.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured in the incidents.

"Officers from the local neighbourhood team swiftly identified the suspect through CCTV and witness statements and then handed the investigation over to Bishop Auckland CID."

Leyton Hynes, 19, from Ferryhill,has since been charged with two counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery and theft of a motor vehicle.

He is due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (Monday, March 18).

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The Northern Echo:

Inspector Peter Lonsdale, of Bishop Auckland CID said: “This was a particularly fast-paced investigation which involved officers diligently remaining on duty nine hours after they were due to finish and then returning five hours later for their next shift.

“All those involved in the investigation worked extremely hard to ensure a swift result and I would like to thank the team for their dedication.”