AN elderly couple were left shaken after they found a pair of thieves burgling their flat.

The 87-year-old man and his wife found the front door of their Darlington home damaged when they returned from an afternoon out at 5.35pm on Thursday.

Inside, they found two men going through their belongings.

Detective Sergeant Alec Francis, of Darlington police, said the couple were so shocked they have little recollection of what happened next.

The thieves stole items including an antique pocket watch and about £500 in cash.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.