POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a sneak burglary in an east Durham town.

The incident took place in the Sunny Blunts area of Peterlee at about 6pm last Wednesday.

After hearing her back door opening, a 45-year-old woman was confronted by a man in his mid-twenties, standing in the back yard of her home.

He said he was selling Christmas trees but when she said it was too early to buy a tree the man left.

When she went back inside her home, the woman discovered her black fabric shoulder bag had gone. Inside the bag was a purse, containing £100, and an Alcatel mobile phone.

The intruder is described as white, 6ft and of slim build. He has dark bushy hair and a thin face.

Anyone with information should contact Peterlee police station on 0191-586 2621 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111