Police seek public help after 'violent' £2m burglary

Kent Police have asked the public to help with their investigation into a violent burglary in Sevenoaks.

Officers released footage of a man they want to identify and images of jewellery, after items worth almost £2m were stolen from a home near Wildernesse Golf Club on 21 June.

A woman was assaulted by a masked man during the burglary, who threatened her with what appeared to be a handgun and struck her head with it, police said.

At least 50 items were reported stolen including rings, pendants and watches, according to officers.

CCTV images released by police show the man wearing a face mask, cream coloured baseball cap and trainers with distinctive red soles.

He also had a high-visibility top.

"The man we want to locate would have stood out as he was wearing a mask, was in possession of a bicycle and appeared overdressed on what was a warm day," said Det Insp Maxine Harris.

"I am urging anyone who may have seen him or recognises him to please call us immediately," she added. "He should not be approached."

The man travelled between Staplehurst and Sevenoaks railway stations between 09:48 and 10:26 BST on the day of the offence, which happened at 15:55.

He then travelled by train between Hildenborough, Tonbridge and Marden between 17:37 and 18:02, and was seen cycling shortly after 18:00 in Staplehurst.

Officers have not ruled out that the man may live outside Kent, although they said it is possible he has strong connections to the Staplehurst area.

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