SHARP-EYED shop staff have helped detectives draw up detailed descriptions of seven people believed to have been responsible for a burglary in Darlington.

The group, who were foreigners, distracted staff in a general dealers' in Geneva Road and gained access to the living area.

Police believe the incident, in which a large amount of cash and jewellery was stolen, is linked with a similar incident in the North Road area of the town last week.

The latest theft took place between 3.30pm and 5.45pm on Tuesday.

Detective Constable Malcolm Lear, of Darlington CID, said: "The shopkeepers have said they might be Asian, Kosovan or Palestinian, because they did not recognise the language."

The women suspects are described as follows:

One was aged approximately 40, about 5ft 9in, of slim build, with a gold tooth at either side of her upper jaw. She wore dark clothing, with a brown scarf on her head, knotted at the neck.

Another was aged about 19, quite light skinned and tall, of large build. She spoke in broken English.

A third was carrying what appeared to be a baby in a bright pink shawl. She was aged 25 to 30, approximately 5ft 2in, tall and of medium build. She wore a brown, knee-length coat.

Another was dark skinned, in her mid-20s, about 5ft, plump and with facial hair. She was wearing a shawl which covered part of her head, but had untidy hair.

The fifth was of thin build, in her early 20s, with pale skin and dark hair. She spoke very good English.

Det Con Lear said the "baby" might have been a doll, because the shop staff said it did not make any noise.

One of the women's male accomplices was described as slim, about 6ft, with moderately dark skin. He was aged about 26, wore dark clothing, and was smiling constantly.

The other was 26, stocky, with moderately dark skin, cropped dark hair and a goatee beard.

Anyone with information can call Det Con Lear on (01325) 742136 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.