‘Bill dodgers’ fled from Cafe Spice in Darlington without paying tab

The pair enjoyed a meal at Cafe Spice in Darlington, before bosses say they left to get cash but failed to return.

The suspected dine-and-dashers ordered an array of food, with included a chicken curry and tandoori butter chicken, priced at £11.95 and £12.95 respectively.

The couple also enjoyed special rice (£4.95), onion bhajis (£5.25), a pickle tray (£2.95), chips (£3.25), three poppadoms (£2.70) and vegetable samosas (£5).

The meal was washed down with a large Cobra beer (£5.50) and a pint of Pepsi (£4).

Cafe Spice has released a statement on social media appealing for information.

Writing on Facebook, the restaurant said: “Imagine adding a bit of spice to your criminal record over a £58 bill. These two lovely folks said they were off to get cash after their card declined—never saw them again.

“Any info would be greatly appreciated”.

Durham Police has also been approached for comment.