Darlington family left homeless after burglars flood home over Christmas

A home in Darlington was flooded after burglars broke in, blocked the sinks and left the taps running. Credit: Durham Constabulary

A family has been left homeless after thieves broke into and flooded their home over the Christmas period.

The family, who have a two-year-old daughter, returned home from visiting relatives to find their home at Blackmoor Close in Darlington had been ransacked by burglars.

Before making off with a TV, Xbox and Playstation and personal items, the thieves blocked the sinks and left the taps running - causing a flood which led to the ceiling collapsing.

PC Stefan Haynes, from Durham Police, said: “This is an utterly appalling incident which has completely destroyed a young family’s home, leaving them with nowhere to live. Whoever is responsible should be ashamed of themselves.

“I would like to make an appeal to anyone who has been in the area over recent days to think back - have you seen anyone acting suspiciously? Did you hear or see anything unusual?

“If you have any information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it may be, please come forward and speak to us – sometimes, even the smallest detail can progress our investigation and help us bring those responsible to justice.”

The family came home to find their ceiling had collapsed as a result of the flooding. Credit: Durham Constabulary

It is believed the burglary happened at some point on Christmas Eve.

Anyone with any information that could help the investigation is asked to contact PC Haynes at Stefan.Haynes@durham.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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