DAMAGE was caused to Skipton's closed Dawson's Department store and neighbouring premises after it was broken into and flooded.

Officers believe a group of youths entered Dawson's in Albion Place, Jerry Croft, at around 6pm on Wednesday last week (January 17), took some tools and flooded the property, causing surrounding stores to be damaged as well.

A police spokesperson said: "We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, in particular, the identity of the people involved."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on the non-emergency 101 number, select option 2 and ask for PC 1657 Harrison. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 1224 0010258.

Dawson's, one of the original businesses to move into the newly built £8.5m Albion Place development in Easter, 2015, recently closed, along with Chevin Cycles, also in Albion Place. A statement on the Dawson's website says: "Unfortunately the Skipton store has now closed."