Warning after fake cops steal cash from Wearside home

The men called at a house in Cambridge Crescent between 1pm and 1.20pm yesterday afternoon and claimed they were carrying out enquiries into forged £20 notes circulating in the area.

They asked to check any £20 notes the occupant had before claiming they were fakes and they would need to seize them. The men took the money and left in a small blue car.

One of the men is described as white, mid 30s, 6ft tall and 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, mid 20s, 5ft 5 inches tall and average build. He did not speak. He had short fair hair and was wearing a shirt, trousers and a denim jacket.

Detective Inspector Paul Stewart 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 quoting reference 484 030516 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.