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

The girl, thought to be aged between nine and 12, entered Springfield Newsagent's, in Syke Road, Burnopfield, near Stanley, 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 trio acting suspiciously earlier that day in the village petrol station.

The man was described as aged about 35, 5ft 3in, slight, with a thin face and a scar on his right cheek.

He had dark hair and was wearing a black, woollen jacket.

The woman was about 35-years-old, 5ft 1in, slim, 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 mayhave had a coloured stripe on it.

Anyone with information is asked to call DC Helen Johnson, of Stanley Police, on (01207) 232144.