AN expensive tricycle designed for playground use has been stolen from a pre-school.

The red tricycle and a yellow scooter were stolen from Mowden Pre-School, in Bushell Hill Drive, in Darlington, sometime around 7.30pm on Wednesday, February 26.

Detective Constable Phil Collingwood, of Darlington police, said: “These items are of playground standard and considerably more robust and expensive than domestic toys.

"We believe that the property may have been taken to Mowden Shop area. This theft has a great impact upon young pre-school children who use these toys, Mowden Preschool is a charity and are separate from the school.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Collingwood on the non-emergency 101 number, ext 671-2712 or email phil.collingwood@durham.pnn.police.uk