Police are appealing for information after a pensioner fell victim to a distraction theft at a cashpoint in a North East town.

On Monday (August 22), a man in his 80s had money snatched from him while at a cashpoint in Hartlepool.

The incident took place inside Lloyds Bank on York Road while the man was using the cashpoint.

Cleveland Police are looking to speak to Vasile Stan, 44 and Oresta Ciobotaru, 57, to find out more information.

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A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: "Hartlepool detectives investigating a report of a distraction theft at an ATM in August are again appealing for information to help trace two people they’d like to speak to as they may have information.

"A gentleman in his 80s had money snatched from him as he used the cashpoint inside Lloyds Bank on York Road, Hartlepool, at around midday on Monday 22nd August.

"Police would like to speak to 44-year-old Vasile Stan and 57-year-old Oresta Ciobotaru, last known address Newham in London."

The pair are believed to move around the UK and have links to Chatham in Kent, Newcastle upon Tyne, Bedfordshire and Burton on Trent in Staffordshire.

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Police have released photos of the pair and are appealing for information on their whereabouts.

Anyone with information on their current whereabouts is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the 101 number quoting ref 149018.

Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111.

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