Two rifles stolen during raid on Startforth property

OFFICERS are appealing for information after firearms were stolen during a burglary.

Two legally-held firearms were stolen from a property in Startforth, between 11.45am on December 16 and 8.20am on December 18.

They are a .22 Anschutz bolt action rifle, with a serial number of 1133698, and a .243 Sako bolt action rifle, with are serial number 252548. Both are fitted with a telescopic sight.

Det Con Mick Rutherford, of South Durham CID, said: “Both of these firearms were legally owned and we are doing everything we can to try and locate them. These firearms are easily identified and distinctive in their appearance so please contact us if you are offered them for sale, or see them for sale in suspicious circumstances.”

Anyone with any information should call Durham Constabulary on 101 and ask for DC Rutherford, quoting incident number 83 of December 18.