Late-Night Axe Burglary: CCTV Of Suspect Released

Police hunting an axe-wielding burglar, who smashed his way into a lone woman's east London flat, have released this image of their suspect.

The CCTV image was captured when the woman's stolen bank cards were used.

The victim, aged in her thirties, was asleep when an intruder smashed through a window in High Road, Leyton at 10.50pm on June 22.

The burglar, who was armed with an axe, entered the victim's bedroom and demanded that she hand over her mobile phone, bank cards and other valuables.

He then left the scene via the window he entered through.

Officers were called five minutes later and carried out a search of the property and surrounding area.

On Monday, June 25, the victim contacted officers and told them that her contactless cards had been used in a local fast food restaurant, a supermarket and to enter a tube station.

Officers attended these locations and retrieved the CCTV.

Both CCTV from the supermarket and fast food restaurant showed the suspect at the times the victim's cards were used.

He is described as a light skinned black male of slim to medium build.

He was wearing a light coloured rucksack over a grey, plain polo shirt and grey jeans.

He had a dark short cropped goatee style beard and dark cropped hair.

The male had on thick dark rimmed glasses with a pair of sunglasses on top of his head.

Detective Constable Mark Crouchman, from Waltham Forest CID, said: "We have an excellent CCTV still of the man we want to speak to in connection with this aggravated burglary.

"Someone out there will definitely know his name; where he may work or where he lives - if you do, please contact us immediately."

Anyone with any information is asked to call 0203 276 0972 or 101 quote 9523/22Jun.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.