An unusual photograph of a woman sticking out her tongue was released by police as part of an urgent appeal to trace her.

It is not know where the woman is from, but North Yorkshire Police urged as many people around the country as possible to share the appeal. They have stressed the woman is not a suspect in any crime, but a potential witness and may have vital information relating to an ongoing investigation.

Police have revealed the woman has been identified and asked that her photo be taken down to protect her future privacy.

On the force's Facebook page earlier today, a police spokesperson said: “It is not known who she is or where she lives and by sharing the appeal on social media, police are hoping that the woman, or someone who recognises her will get in touch. 

“For operational reasons we are not able to provide any further details about the investigation, but again stress that she is not a suspect."

Her picture - which shows her sticking out her tongue and sporting a round sticker saying "Adult Admission" - has been shared thousands of times on Facebook and re-tweeted hundreds of time on Twitter.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman added: "We have traced the woman whose photo we issued earlier today in our urgent appeal. Our thanks go to everyone who shared the appeal or rang in with information. Just to reiterate, she was not wanted, nor a suspect in a crime."