New appeal to find burglar who tied up woman

A renewed police appeal has been launched with BBC's Crimewatch to find a violent burglar who tied up and assaulted an elderly woman in her home in Sevenoaks.

Kent Police said the victim was beaten with what appeared to be a handgun before her property, near Wildernesse Golf Club, was ransacked just before 16:00 BST on 21 June 2024.

At least 50 items, worth about £1.4m, were taken, including jewellery and watches.

A £10,000 reward from Crimestoppers is also being offered for information which leads to the conviction of those responsible.

CCTV images show a potential suspect travelling by train between Staplehurst and Sevenoaks on the morning of the attack.

After the burglary, he was seen on trains between Hildenborough, Tonbridge and Marden, before cycling in Staplehurst shortly after 18:00 in a high-visibility top.

The suspect, who was wearing a face mask, cream-coloured baseball cap and had trainers with red soles, initially approached the victim in her garden and struck her head with the gun.

The latest appeal from police includes new footage and an audio recording of the suspect.

An extensive investigation is continuing and the suspect is now also being formally linked to at least five other burglaries across Kent since 2016.

Det Insp Maxine Harris said: "If you think this voice sounds even vaguely familiar to someone you may know it is vital that you contact us."

It is possible the suspect has strong connections to the Staplehurst area, although police are not discounting that he may live outside Kent.

Police have warned the public to not approach the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Kent Police or Crimestoppers.

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