(Image: Durham Police)
An elderly woman has been taken to hospital after being injured during an early-morning burglary at her home.
The incident happened shortly after 1.25am today (Sunday, October 4), at a property on Coast View in Blackhall Colliery.
Police believed that several suspects, all wearing balaclavas attended the elderly victim's address, forced entry and injured the victim.
Peterlee Police said: "They have then taken jewellery from the victim and made off from the area.
"The victim alerted her neighbours before police arrived."
She has since been taken to hospital and is now receiving specialist support.
Police have launched an appeal for information.
Anyone with information or CCTV of the incident is asked to contact DS 2989 Ash Hagar on 101 quoting incident number 29 of October 4 or via email: Ashley.Hagar@durham.police.uk.