The Latest Breaking News from Durham Police

‘Disgusting’ vandals chop down village Christmas tree hours after light switch-on

Beloved tree has been a festive treat for residents for over a decade

The Independent UK · Dec 12, 2025

Village Christmas tree cut down hours after lights switch on

The tree in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham, was chopped down between 10pm and 11pm on Wednesday, according to police.

Evening Standard · Dec 11, 2025

Detective made laptop type the same key 16,000 times to pretend he was working from home

Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said the findings against the detective should be a ‘stark warning’ to any others looking to take advantage of working from home

The Independent UK · Sep 30, 2025

Man jailed for life for murdering partner’s 22-month-old son

Christopher Stockton, 38, was convicted of the murder of Charlie Roberts in Darlington in January last year.

The Independent UK · Feb 7, 2025

How a forensics expert helped convict father who claimed he accidentally killed his daughter in a play fight

Simon Vickers told police that the two had been playfighting before the 14-year-old suffered an 11cm deep stab wound to her chest

The Independent UK · Jan 27, 2025

Metal detectorists’ bid to have sentences reduced dismissed by Court of Appeal

Roger Pilling, 76, and Craig Best, 48, were convicted of conspiring to sell 44 Anglo-Saxon coins.

The Independent UK · Oct 30, 2024

Man detained as police officer stabbed in chest at notorious Category A prison HMP Frankland 'stable'

The officer who was injured at the high security prison is described as 'conscious and talking’ after being left in critical condition

Evening Standard · Jul 23, 2024

Man and woman arrested after child dies in Darlington

Force confirms man and woman were taken to custody as part of the investigation

Evening Standard · Jan 14, 2024

Teenager who died in police pursuit feared going to jail, inquest hears

Wanted man Kelvin Bainbridge, 19, died from head injuries when he was struck by a police car after a six-minute pursuit.

The Independent UK · Sep 19, 2023

Thugs launched unprovoked violent attack on Durham University students who were going to ball

Jordan Howey and Stevie Holliday attacked the group of students in Durham city centre

Chronicle Live · Jun 17, 2023