A CHILD helped a crooked couple to make off with more than £2,900 in a daring theft from a village store, say police.

The girl, thought to be around nine to 12 years old, entered Springfield newsagent's store in Syke Road, Burnopfield, with a man and a woman on Friday, November 8, at 1.40pm. All three had strong Irish accents.

The couple moved around the shop and distracted the owner by asking for help. The girl then sneaked behind the counter and into the safe room, from where she stole the cash.

Witnesses reported the same trio acting suspiciously earlier the same day in the village petrol station.

The man is described as aged around 35, 5ft 2in to 5ft 4in tall, of slight build, with a thin face and a scar on his right cheek. He had dark hair and was wearing a black, woollen jacket.

The woman is also about 35 years old, 5ft 1in to 5ft 2in tall, of slim build, with dark hair tied back. She was wearing a light yellow, waist-length coat, a light jumper and jeans. Around her neck was a gold chain with a pendant, either in the shape of a clown or a teddy bear.

Their young accomplice had brown hair tied back and was wearing a long, cream coloured, fish tail coat.

The group may have left the scene in a white Transit van which witnesses described as slightly dirty and that could have had a coloured stripe around it.

Anyone with information should call Det Con Helen Johnson on (01207) 232144.