BREAKING Durham Police formally asked to investigate whether Dominic Cummings broke the law

Durham Police has formally been asked to "establish the facts" around Dominic Cummings' visit - including whether he broke the law.

Acting Police, Crime and Victims' Commissioner Steve White has today written to the force's Chief Constable, Jo Farrell, to establish whether any rules were broken in the visit at the end of March.

It comes after ministers vehemently denied Mr Cummings broke any lockdown rules or laws, despite driving 260 miles to stay near family while national orders were to "stay at home".

Mr White said: "I am confident that thus far, Durham police has responded proportionately and appropriately to the issues raised concerning Mr Cummings and his visit to the County at the end of March.

"It is clear however that there is a plethora of additional information circulating in the public domain which deserves appropriate examination.

"I have today written to the Chief Constable, asking her to establish the facts concerning any potential breach of the law or regulations in this matter at any juncture.

"It is vital that the Force can show it has the interests of the people of County Durham and Darlington at its heart, so that the model of policing by consent, independent of government but answerable to the law, is maintained.

"It will be for the Chief Constable to determine the operational response to this request.

"I am confident that with the resources at its disposal, the Force can show proportionality and fairness in what has become a major issue of public interest and trust."

This breaking news story is being updated.