'No let-up' in hunt for racehorse trainer armed robbers

One of the robbers wore a distinctive sweatshirt

There will be no let-up in the hunt for armed robbers who broke into the home of a County Durham racehorse trainer, police have promised six months on.

Howard and Sue Johnson were threatened with a knife and a shotgun by two burglars at their isolated farmhouse, in Roddymoor, on 11 April.

Mr Johnson was forced to hand over £100,000 from his safe.

Police have now released an image of a distinctive sweatshirt worn by one of the men.

It appeared to have the letters "CHAN_E" or the word "CHANCE" on the sleeve.

Despite extensive police inquiries and a reconstruction of the case featured on the BBC's Crimewatch programme in June, the offenders remain at large.

Substantial cash rewards remain on offer from both Mr Johnson and the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Det Insp Simon Orton, in charge of the investigation, said that he believed a vital breakthrough was still possible.

He said: "The answers to solving this puzzle still lie within the community.

"Someone knows a friend, acquaintance or even a family member who is connected to this terrifying and gravely serious crime.

"I am again asking that person to demonstrate both courage and public-spiritedness by volunteering vital information to me and my inquiry team."