Lovely Akthar and her two children Zara, 10, and Zainab, 11, said they were forced to remove their veil and Islamic dress when they were stopped by store detectives and accused of stealing a pair of £8 jeans.

They are now seeking legal help, claiming racial discrimination.

Bosses at Debenhams, in Waterloo Square, South Shields, have apologised for any embarrassment caused, although insist the matter was dealt with delicately.

And police have been to see the family to discuss why the action was taken.

Mrs Akthar, 34, was confronted by police minutes after leaving the store last month, but showed officers a receipt for a pair of trousers and a pair of jeans she had just bought from there.

However, an officer searched the mum and her two children, during which Mrs Akthar claims officers made them remove their veils and Islamic dress.

No action was taken against the family.

Mrs Akthar's husband Abdul Mohammed, 37, from Iolanthe Terrace, Westoe, South Shields, said he has now launched an official complaint against the police.

He said: "I'm absolutely disgusted with the way my family have been treated, we feel we have been victimised.

"None of us have stolen anything in our lives, and now we feel totally embarrassed and humiliated. I will not let this go."

Chief inspector Dave Harris said: "During the stop and search process, a female officer searched the other clothing of the woman and two youths, including checking the waistband of jeans, as an allegation of theft had been made.

"This was found not to be the case and no further action was taken.

"An inspector has visited the family to explain the rationale behind the search, and we will be examining the circumstances surrounding the incident."

A spokesman for Debenhams said: "When we studied CCTV it appeared that items were being placed into bags, and it is for this reason we involved the local police.

"Unfortunately, in this case we were wrong. As such we have already apologised to the family for any inconvenience and embarrassment, even though we feel the situation was handled delicately.

"Naturally we are happy to apologise again."