DETECTIVES have issued CCTV images of a man they wish to interview in connection with a �15,000 fraud carried out at Stansted Airport.

The man in the pictures is believed to have arrived at the airport to buy a ring that had been advertised on Ebay by a couple from nearby Bishop’s Stortford.

The suspect, who is thought to have travelled from north west England by train, paid for the ring with a bank draft which was later found to be a forgery.

Investigating officer Dc Jean Seager said: “We are appealing for help from anyone who can identify the man or remembers seeing him when he arrived or left Stansted Airport.

“Investigations so far suggest that he is from the Manchester or Liverpool area and his accent was said to be Liverpudlian.”

Dc Seager said that the ring had originally been valued at more than �20,000 but the couple were happy to accept �15,000 for a cash sale.

“But on the morning of the planned handover the buyer said he would prefer to pay by bank draft and the couple were happier to accept this.

“They agreed to do the hand over at the airport because it was easy for the couple to reach and easier for the suspect to reach by train from London.

“The husband went to the airport and spoke with the buyer for only about 10 minutes near a Costa Coffee shop.

“We want to hear from anyone who might have seen the suspect at the airport or when he arrived or left, possibly by train on Saturday June 18.

“We are also appealing for help from anyone in Manchester, Liverpool or other north west districts who knows the man.”

The suspect is white, aged in his early to mid 20s, about 5ft 10in tall and was of an athletic build. He had short very blond hair and a pale complexion. He was wearing a white flat cap, a blue and white striped top beneath a black hoody with white stripe on the neck, blue jeans and white loafer-style shoes.

Dc Seager added: “This was an unfortunate crime because the couple took steps to protect the integrity of the sale but were not able to verify the origin of the bank draft.

“Fake or forged drafts are common and we would urge anyone involved in sales to check the validity of the draft with the bank involved or ensure that the draft clears before the sale is completed.”

Anyone with information should contact Dc Seager in the CID office at Stansted Airport police station on 0300 333 4444 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.