POLICE are searching for a man wanted in connection with a burglary in a rural village.

Officers were called to a house in Cotherstone, County Durham, yesterday (Tuesday), just before 11am, following reports of a burglary.

Several rings were taken from the property, including a gold and sapphire engagement ring, a gold wishbone ring, gold, a diamond and sapphire eternity ring, a gold ruby ring and a gold ring with oval shaped red stone.

Other items of jewellery stolen during the break-in include a gold rotary watch, a gold 22ins chain with a sovereign and a gold necklace.

A man, described as tall with brown hair, wearing dark trousers and a blue top, was seen running through the village’s school grounds and subsequently jumped over a wall and entered a house through an insecure back door.

The intruder then left the scene but was caught on camera by a member of the public.

Detective Sergeant Graham Low, from the Bishop Auckland Serious Crime Team, said: "The homeowner, who was in the front garden at the time, has been left shaken by this incident and we need assistance from the public to identify this man.

“We would also like to advise the public to keep their homes and vehicles secure at all times especially now the warmer weather is here."

Anyone with information about the incident, or who may recognise the man, is asked to call the Bishop Auckland Serious Crime Team, on 101, or Crimestoppers, on 0800-555-111.