POLICE and HM Customs officers teamed up for a joint operation as part of a clampdown on illegal fuel.

Scores of cars were pulled over in the Easington Colliery area to be checked during the blitz.

Joining the police in the operation were representatives from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency.

Samples were taken from fuel tanks to ensure they were not being illegally run on red diesel, document inquiries were made and vehicles were given the once over to ensure they were road-worthy.

Four cars were seized by police for a variety of reasons, with one driver found to be behind the wheel while disqualified.

The owners of the confiscated cars risk having them crushed unless they satisfy officers th
at they and the vehicles are legal.

Further statistics are expected to be released by police as they are compiled during the coming days.

Acting Sergeant Lee Blakelock said: "I think it's been quite positively received by normal, law-abiding citizens, but, obviously, this is aimed at catching those who are flouting the law."

Operation Leon, as the exercise is codenamed, was launched on Monday in the Colliery and Deneside, Eastlea and Westlea areas of Seaham.

It is bringing together police, council wardens, firefighters and community groups to help improve the areas, with extra resources being drafted in to patrol the streets.

Inspector Vince Addison, who leads police in the Seaham area, said he was pleased with how the campaign was going.

He added: "Operation Leon is continuing the work already carried out in Easington Colliery and Seaham by police and council staff."


I just bet the 'normal citizens' were fookin' delighted to get turned over while they were going about the daily business......