POLICE want to talk to a couple after bank cards stolen from a purse, in Durham City, were used to buy goods from shops on Tyneside.

The purse, containing two cards, was taken from a shop in the city between 1.30pm and 5.30pm on Wednesday, March 9.

That afternoon, one of the cards was used in an unsuccessful attempt to withdraw money from cash machines and then to obtain, and attempt to obtain, goods from shops at the MetroCentre, Gateshead.

The other card was used to obtain, and attempt to obtain, goods from stores in the centre of Newcastle.

Police want to speak to a man and a woman about the deceptions.

The man is white, aged 20 to 25, 5ft 6in to 5ft 7in, slim and with dark hair. The woman is white, 20 to 30, of the same height, of medium to heavy build, and with bleached or blonde hair in a pony tail.

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