Police Launch Appeal After Farm Raid Leaves Woman Dead

Police have launched an investigation into an botched diesel theft in a County Durham farm that has left a mother dead and her son badly injured.

Shortly after 8.30pm last night, William Dove and his wife Rosemary returned to their home at East House Farm, Bishop Middeham, following an outing to an agricultural show in Scotland.

It is understood the couple spotted an unknown vehicle on the premises and an intruder trying to steal diesel from a pump at the side of the farm.

Mr Dove and son James gave chase to the would-be thief and Mrs Dove went inside the house to phone police and alert relatives who lived at a nearby farm.

Police say the 69-year-old woman fell ill after making the emergency call and collapsed on the floor of the farm.

She was later pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Meanwhile, Mr Dove and James gave chase to the intruders' Mitsubishi-style pick-up truck across the fields in their own vehicles.

A spokesman for Durham police said: "At one stage the farmer and his family cornered the pick-up in a field.

"James got out of his vehicle to approach the intruder pick-up, which was sporting a distinctive amber lighting bar on the roof.

"When the pick-up turned to break out of the cordon it clipped James, who is in his mid 40s, and knocked him into a ditch."

He was later taken to North Tee General Hospital with a double hip fracture and a minor head wound. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Harker said: "At this stage it is not clear exactly how many people were in the pick-up. We urgently need any help that will lead us to those involved in this tragic series of events that has left the Dove family absolutely devastated.

"The pick-up eventually crashed out of the field and made good its escape. A search of the locality, which also involved the police helicopter, has so far drawn a blank."

The intruder is described as white, of muscular build with short dark brown hair and aged between 20 and 30. He was wearing a check-style shirt.

Police also want to trace the pick-up truck which they say was "sporting a distinctive amber lighting bar on the roof".

Anyone with information is asked to call 0845 6060365.

(DS)