MINI police in Newton Aycliffe were challenged to get to the bottom of a supermarket shoplifting incident.

The mock investigation was launched by pupils from Woodham Burn Primary School at the town’s Tesco store on Sunday.

PCSO Steven Gill said: “It was a great community engagement for the mini police and I’d like to thank Tesco for helping with the event, Woodham Burn Primary School and the parents of the mini police for attending.

Youngsters reviewed CCTV evidence with the help of security staff and then took statements from manager Joe Riley.

The mini officers put stolen items in evidence bags and even got the chance to carry out crime scene investigation fingerprinting.

Schoolchildren were recruited to Durham Police’s mini crime-fighting unit earlier this year.

In their role they ackle community issues by taking part in litter picking and Speedwatch as well as helping in force-led initiatives.