POLICE in Darlington are appealing for homeowners to check whether they have had a lawnmower stolen.

A red SP550 Mountfield petrol mower was discovered in bushes near Baydale Farm, off Coniscliffe Road, on Wednesday.

Officers believe that the owner may not even realise it had been taken from their home.

Burglary support officer Dave Nunn, of Darlington police, said: "We would ask anyone in the Coniscliffe Road area to check to see if they have had one stolen."

Mr Nunn can be contacted on (01325) 467681, extension 2066.