Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to about a theft reported in last week’s Halstead Gazette.

A man is understood to have broken into a red Citroen along Mill Chase where he stole a rucksack containing a laptop, bank cards and several books.

Essex Police are now appealing for information about a suspect they would like to speak to in connection with the theft, which took place between 6.30pm on Tuesday, January 23 and 6.30am on Wednesday, January 24.

The victim, Polly Dixon, had put out a personal appeal for information in a bid to recover the books taken during the theft, which she said contained months worth of university work.

The student, who studies at BPP Law School in Cambridge, has since recovered the books after her bag was found dumped in the River Colne in Halstead at the weekend.

Miss Dixon has confirmed however that the laptop inside the bag remains missing.

Bank cards taken during the theft were immediately cancelled by Miss Dixon.

Anyone with information about the man pictured is asked to contact Sgt James Vandecar at Braintree police station on 101 quoting crime reference 42/11146/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.