POLICE are appealing for witnesses who may have seen the theft of £4,000 worth of motorcycle gear from a van in Teesdale.

Bike jackets and helmets were stolen from the van while it was parked overnight in Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, on May 17.

The Ford Iveco, owned by Scott Leathers, was parked outside units 11 and 12 of Stainton Grove Industrial Estate.

PC Linda Foster, from Barnard Castle police said: "We are looking for people who may have witnessed anything.

"It happened very close to a residential area. Also people may have seen something from the main road, the A688."

Police believe the theft took place between 9pm on May 17 and 8am, on May 18. Most of the jackets are made of leather or nylon and are brightly coloured, they have either have Scott Leathers, TT Leathers or Field Sheer logos on.

Jim Aird, managing director of Scott Leathers said: "Most of the stuff that was stolen was either kids' or ladies'. So perhaps it would be used for kids' quads.

"It's pretty unique stuff - not something you find every day."

The helmets, which are blue, black and red all have the words HJC Tattoo on them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Durham Police on (0845) 60 60 365.