Police in Southwark have released a CCTV image linked to an artifice burglary at the home of a 95-year-old woman in Bermondsey.

The suspect is believed to have gained entry to the victim’s flat in John Roll Way at about 2.30pm on Friday 23 January.

The man was discovered in the flat with the victim when her granddaughter arrived and challenged him.

He claimed to be a mobility driver, but the granddaughter doubted his story and told him to leave.

After he left the flat, the victim’s bag was checked and they found that money was missing from her purse.

Police were called and further enquiries by officers revealed he had also spoken to other residents in the block, giving different explanations as to why he was there.

Detectives from Southwark CID are investigating and are appealing to anyone who has information as to the identity of the man in the CCTV to contact them.

“The victim in this case is an extremely vulnerable and elderly lady, and the suspect has managed somehow to con his way into her flat,” said PC Ashley Larkin.

“We’re eager to hear from anyone who might know or recognise the person on the CCTV image and would ask you to contact us as soon as possible, as we’re concerned they may be targeting other people in the area.”

Anyone with information or who recognises the person in the image should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 169846.