POLICE want help to trace a suspected shoplifter. Officers have released pictures of a woman suspected of stealing swimwear from Boots, in the Market Place, in Durham City.

Shortly before 1pm on Saturday, August 21, the woman, who is in her mid to late-20s, took two black swimsuits from a display, one of which she placed in a carrier bag.

The suspect approached a checkout assistant and said her mother had bought the item which was in the bag, but it was the wrong size and she wished to exchange it for the one she was carrying.

The assistant agreed to the exchange and the woman left, but returned a short while later asking for a receipt. The request was refused and, as she made her way to the exit, she was approached and challenged by a security officer.

When the officer's attention was distracted, she ran off.

The woman was about 5ft 2 in and slim. She had dyed blonde shoulder-length hair, with the roots showing and, at the time of the offence, was wearing a black vest top and black trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.