POLICE are appealing to the public for help with two unsolved crimes from earlier this year.

At about 6.30pm on February 24, a man, aged about 30, picked up spirits and sweets from a display at Sainsbury's in the Arnison Centre, at Pity Me, Durham City, and left without paying.

When challenged by staff, he became abusive and ran off. He was described as 5ft 10in and had untidy dark hair and beard. At the time of the offence, he was wearing a dark-coloured top with a white collar and dark trousers.

In the second incident, a woman was travelling on a bus between Stanley and Consett on the afternoon of Friday, September 2. When she got off the bus, she left behind a bag containing a recently-bought mobile phone, which was still in its box.

A man, thought to have got on the bus in Sunderland, was seen leaving with the bag when it reached Consett.

The suspect was wearing a beanie-style hat, light-coloured polo shirt, dark trousers and trainers.

Anyone with information about either offence is asked to ring Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.