TWO burglars bit off more than they could chew when they were met a householder’s angry dog.

Daisy chased after the criminals, biting one of them on his legs as he tried to steal her owner’s mountain bike.

The incident happened as the victim, a woman in her mid-30s who does not want to be identified, returned to her home in Lewes Road, Darlington, with her daughter and the family’s two pet dogs.

She spotted two youths in the lane behind her home and saw that one was carrying a man’s silver and red mountain bike over his shoulder, which she recognised as her own.

She shouted at them to stop and they ran off, one of them still carrying the bike.

Daisy then chased after the youth with the bike and bit him on the upper left of his leg and then on his right calf.

The thief then turned, threw the bike at the dog, before also swinging a kick at her, before making his escape.

Daisy was unhurt.

On returning to her home, the victim discovered she had been burgled, with the thieves taking money, mobile phones, cash and cigarettes.

Detective Constable Nev Price, of Darlington CID said: “Due to Daisy’s intervention, the victim got her bike back, but, unfortunately, when she returned to her home it had been burgled, and money, mobile phones, cash and cigarettes had been taken.

“We believe the burglar will still bear bite marks from Daisy and would urge anyone who can help identify him to get in touch with police.”

The youth who had been carrying the bike is described as between 18 and 20, 5ft 8in and slim. He had short, dark hair and was wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a dark coloured coat.

Anyone with information about the burglary or those responsible is asked to contact Det Con Price on 0345-60-60-365, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.