Police appeal for information after Darlington aggravated burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses after an aggravated burglary in Darlington on Sunday morning in which the victim had an unknown liquid sprayed in his face.

The burglary happened at a flat on Victoria Road just before 7.45am when the householder, a man in his mid-20s, was woken by intruders.

Detectives believe that two men had forced their way into the rear of the property, which led directly to the victim’s bedroom, while two more had been waiting at the front door.

All four were wearing dark clothing, with their faces masked by balaclavas. At least one burglar was armed with what is believed to be a machete.

A liquid was sprayed in the face of the victim before the burglars fled through the rear of the property and down a back alley between Bedford Street Victoria Embankment, before making their escape in the direction of South Park.

The victim raised the alarm and was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment, although he is not thought to have suffered serious injuries.

PC Jack Sellers, of Durham Constabulary, said: “This was a nasty attack in which the victim was confronted in his own home.

“We would appeal for anyone who has any information about this incident or saw anything suspicious in the area on Sunday morning to contact officers as soon as possible."

In particular, officers would ask residents of the area to check their CCTV and doorbell camera footage for anything suspicious between 7.15am and 8.15am on Sunday.

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101 quoting incident 98 of December 21.