POLICE are turning to the public for help in cracking a crime which has been unsolved for eight months.

Shortly before 4pm on Tuesday, May 3, a woman, thought to be about 30, went into Martin Newsagents, in North Road, Durham City, and bought a large quantity of cigarettes.

She was also given cash back by the sales assistant, but it later emerged that the credit card she used had been reported missing earlier in the day.

All attempts to trace the woman have been unsuccessful and officers from the police's Crimestoppers unit are now appealing for help in tracking the suspect.

The woman was slim and had blonde and brown hair. At the time of the offence, she was wearing a red and blue coat.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to ring police on 0845 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.