Police E-fit Appeal for the confrontational burglary in Formby

Detectives in Sefton have issued an e-fit of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a confrontational burglary in Formby.

Patrols were called to a property on Bushby’s Lane at around 1pm on Thursday, 23 July, following reports an elderly lady had disturbed a burglar.

Officers believe the offender rang the doorbell of the property but when the occupier did not open the door he forced his way in.

The elderly occupant shouted at the man who then left, picking up her handbag as he left. The woman was not injured during the incident but has been left shaken by her ordeal.

Officers were called to the scene and carried out a search of the surrounding area.

At 4pm on the same day a member of the public contacted police to say they had discovered a ladies handbag in a bin outside an address on Enfield Avenue, Crosby, which is believed to belong to the victim.

An e-fit of a man officers would like to speak to in connection with the incident has now been issued.

Acting Detective Inspector Gary Thomas said: “This was a cowardly crime, carried out on an elderly lady in her own home, where she has every right to feel safe.

“I want to reassure people that incidents like this are very rare and we are doing everything we can to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident to trace and arrest the person responsible.

“I would urge the man in the e-fit, or any who recognises him or has any other information which could help us, to get in touch. No matter how trivial you think that information is, it could prove vital to the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 3059 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.