DETECTIVES have issued an Efit image in a renewed appeal to find a burglar who broke into an elderly woman’s home and posed as a police officer.

The victim, who is in her 80s, was watching television at home in White Roding when the man appeared in her sitting room, sat on the sofa with her and started a conversation.

He claimed he was a police officer and had to take her valuable items for safe keeping because there had been burglaries in the area.

When she refused, the man searched the property and took items of china, silver boxes, cash and car keys. He pulled the phone from the wall, told the woman not to call anyone and drove away in her silver hatchback car.

DI Alan Stevens said: “This was an appalling crime against an elderly woman who was suddenly confronted by a strange man in her home.

“There have been no other burglaries of this kind in this area but we would urge elderly people to be on their guard in case he does try to trick people out of valuable items. Genuine police officers would never want to take items ‘for safe keeping’ so if anyone is approached by this man they should call police immediately on 999.”

The man was in his mid to late 20s, about 5ft 10in tall, thick set, had light brown wavy hair and had bright blue eyes. He spoke with an Irish accent and was wearing jeans and a short black padded jacket.

Anyone who recognises the man or has information about the incident, which happened at around 5.30pm on February 10, has been asked to contact DI Stevens or colleagues at Braintree CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.