Police are hunting two men who stole cash from a shop in Belmont Bridge, Skipton, on Friday.

It is the latest in an increasing trend of distraction thefts.

The two men – described as of Eastern European appearance – entered the shop at 7.10pm and, while one distracted the owner by feigning an interest in goods, the other took an envelope containing more than £500.

The first suspect is described as chubby, 5ft 10ins tall, in his early 20s, with olive-coloured skin and short black hair. His accomplice was of slight build, 5ft 3ins tall, again in his early 20s, with olive skin and curly, black collar-length hair.

Both walked off in the direction of Tesco.

Police said: “They are suspected of further offences in Boroughbridge and Ripon earlier in the day.

“There is an increasing trend in distraction-type offences in Craven and all shop workers and members of the public are asked to be extra vigilant.”

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Belmont Bridge area at the time of the offence is urged to contact PC Adam Steventon on 101.