POLICE say they are keeping an open mind on whether there is a link between three burglaries on the same night in two of the district’s remote villages.

It’s after officers have received reports of sneak thieves striking at two homes in Allenheads and one in Melkridge on Sunday night.

A man in his late twenties, described as being 5ft 10ins tall with short dark hair and wearing a black tracksuit, was disturbed while attempting to steal a bike from inside a house at Melkridge.

The homeowner was busy locking up the house at 11pm when they found the man in the utility room.

He ran off in the direction of the A69 and is believed to have made off in a vehicle.

A householder at Dudley Place in Allenheads woke on Monday morning to find cash, car keys and the car missing from outside the property.

Thieves are believed to have gained access through an unlocked front door and a Toyota Yaris, registration number Y431 EVM, is still missing.

And details are still emerging about items stolen from a second house in the village and a parked car, which were targeted on the same night.

House to house inquiries have been carried out in both villages and officers are keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Hexham Police Station on 101 ext 69191.