TWO men posed as police officers to steal money while claiming to be checking for counterfeit notes.

The men called at an address in Cambridge Crescent in Shiney Row, near Houghton-le-Spring between 1pm and 1.20pm on Tuesday and claimed they were carrying out enquiries into fake £20 notes circulating in the area.

The pair asked to check any £20 notes the householder had, then seized the notes claiming they were fakes.

The men then left in a small blue car taking the money with them.

One of the men is described as being white, in mid 30s, 6ft tall and of a stocky build. He spoke with a local accent and had dark short hair. He was wearing a white long sleeved shirt and black trousers.

The second man is described as white, in his mid 20s, 5ft 5ins tall and average build. He had short fair hair and was wearing a shirt, trousers and a denim jacket.

Detective Inspector Paul Stewart, of Northumbria Police, said: "We're carrying out enquiries into this incident and are asking anyone who was in Cambridge Crescent or the surrounding area yesterday afternoon and saw two men similar to those described or a small blue car to come forward and speak to us.

"Clearly, it is concerning for us that these men are claiming to be police officers and we are doing everything we can to identify who they are.

"It's important that people know any genuine police officer will carry a warrant card.

“They will also have a force number and if anyone is in any doubt they can take the force number of the officer and their name and contact us to check whether or not the officer is genuine."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.