Police probe launched after Hartlepool couple who are both battling cancer were targeted in break-in

Bob and Dot Flanagan, of Rift House, who have both recently finished radiotherapy for cancer, were shocked to find a man inside the cabin in their back garden early on Friday morning.

Dot, 70, who finished radiotherapy treatment in March for lung and lymph node cancer for her fourth time, saw a second trespasser disappearing over the fence.

Police are investigating and have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

Bob, 74, who also recently finished treatment for prostate cancer, discovered the male inside the cabin after apparently breaking in through the roof.

He claimed he was looking for his keys and money before making off from the property.

Bob said: “I was looking round the back and all of a sudden he started coughing.

“Dot shouted ‘he’s still in there’. He tried to get the back door open but he couldn’t open it.

“I opened the other door and he was sat looking at me and said he was looking for his keys and had dropped some money.

“It has upset us. We’re both fighting cancer and we’re not sleeping too well.”

It is not known if anything was stolen but a number of tools had been moved and others were found to be broken.

Within a day, friends from charity Miles for Men, which organised the couple’s whole wedding renewal ceremony earlier this year, had patched up the roof.

And David Sowerby and Carl Fleming of DS CCTV Services donated and installed free security cameras.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: “We received a report of a burglary at this address on the morning of Friday, May 15.

“Inquiries are ongoing to trace the person responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting 077668.

Dot and Bob renewed their vows in a lavish ceremony where everything from the clothes, venue, cars, flowers and rings were donated by local businesses.

The couple are still waiting to go on their second honeymoon to Blackpool after their plans coincided with the coronavirus lockdown.

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