POLICE have launched an investigation after holes were found drilled into the walls of shower cubicles at a North-East university.

Students at Durham University complained at the end of last term, two weeks ago, after discovering holes in nine unisex cubicles in a recently refurbished accommodation block.

The holes, on various floors of the Tyne block at Van Mildert College, raised fears that students of both sexes might have been spied on while showering.

The university says how they got there remains a mystery but they have now been filled.

But it is stressing that there is no evidence so far that any students were watched.

University spokesman Keith Seacroft said a hole was discovered in the wall between one recently-installed shower cubicle and a service space, and then others were found.

"It wasn't really clear whether the hole was something left over from the installation work or had been deliberately drilled," he said.

"The hole was filled in and other holes were found in other similar situations.

"There is no actual evidence that they were ever used and the service rooms are only small.

"They provide access to services like pipes and cables and are not used by students.

"Nothing completely explains how the holes got there or whether they have been used for anything."

Mr Seacroft added that access to the service spaces had been secured.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "We received a complaint from the authorities at the college and we are investigating."

But he also said there was no proof of any spying. "The only evidence is that holes appear to have been drilled in the walls," he said.