POLICE are anxious to trace four shotguns stolen in a raid on a house in Darlington.

Two Winchesters, one 12-bore and one 28 gauge, and two Beretta 12-bore guns, one over and under and one single-barrelled, were stolen during a burglary on a house in Cleveland Avenue.

Thieves broke in between 8.30pm last Friday and 2.30am on Saturday, and stole a number of items including £5,000 worth of guns which were kept in a cabinet.

Police do not think the house had been targeted.

Det Insp Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said: "Thieves had searched the whole house and there is nothing to suggest the premises had been targeted for the weapons.

"However, police are particularly concerned that the guns are now clearly in the hands of criminals."

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the guns should contact Darlington police on 01325 467681 or Crimestoppers, 0800 555111.