Distraction burglary e-fit issued

The handbag contained £60 cash and a mobile phone

An e-fit image of a man suspected of stealing from a WWII war veteran in a distraction burglary has been released by police.

The man stole cash and a mobile phone from an elderly couple's house in Bremer Road, Spelthorne.

Surrey Police said the man called at the door on October 28 saying a firework set off for his daughter's birthday had gone into their garden.

While the man checked the garden a handbag was taken from the house.

It contained £60 cash and a mobile phone.

The suspect is described as a white man aged between 35 and 40, about 5ft 8in (1.73m) tall, of medium build with short fair hair.

He was wearing a charcoal grey jacket.

Det Con Dave Thomas said: "I am keen to speak to other witnesses who saw a man matching this description in the area at the time and hope the e-fit will prompt some memories.

"I would also ask the person responsible for this crime to examine their conscience.

"Is this how someone who sacrificed so much should be repaid?"