Last updated at 16:34, Thursday, 06 September 2012

BALACLAVA-clad thieves armed with a baseball bat have forced their way into a remote cottage in Hexhamshire.

The three men stormed the property in Dalton shortly after 10pm on Wednesday night and threatened a 49-year-old woman inside.
After demanding money, they searched the house and forced open a shotgun cabinet before stealing two legally-held shotguns and ammunition.
They also stole the keys to a pick up truck parked outside before fleeing the scene in the vehicle.
Police say the woman was left shaken but unharmed and that the truck has since been found abandoned in a field in Slaley.
It comes just a few months after a couple were tied up and threatened with an axe in their Capheaton home by three masked raiders who demanded the keys to their car and jewellery shop a few miles away in Kirkharle Courtyard.
The couple escaped unhurt from their ordeal in June but cash, credit cards and jewellery were stolen from their home and business.
Acting neighbourhood police inspector for West Tynedale Joanne Park Simmons said: "We're asking for members of the public to help us trace those responsible.
"We are also asking anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the firearms to contact the police immediately.
"No-one was injured in the incident and we're carrying out extensive enquiries to trace those responsible.
"Additional officers will be in the area to answer any concerns residents may have."
Officers are carrying out enquiries and asking anyone with any information to contact them.
Anyone with any information should contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

First published at 16:32, Thursday, 06 September 2012
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk