POLICE in Derwentside are urging the public to be alert after the recovery of a quantity of counterfeit cash.

Six £20 notes were given to a dog breeder in Consett by a couple who were buying a seven-week-old Jack Russell puppy.

The couple handed over the money to pay for the animal, but the breeder stopped the exchange after noticing that the notes were fake.

PC Malcolm Ord, of Consett police, warned people to be aware when receiving cash.

He said: "We have no way of knowing if the couple knew the money was counterfeit or if they were innocently passing it on."

Recovered notes included serial numbers DE44271244, DE44271255 and DE4427125.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Consett Police on 0845 6060365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.