E-Fit of 2-in-1 burglary suspect released

Detectives investigating a 2-in-1 burglary near Keighley have released an E-Fit image of a suspect they would like to trace.

At approximately 5.15am on Saturday 13 November 2010 an offender forced entry through the front door of a house on a private road in Lothersdale.

Once inside the property, he took the keys to a black Mercedes E-Class estate car which he stole and made off in towards Crosshills, hitting a fence and damaging the vehicle in the process.

Officers, assisted by colleagues from West Yorkshire Police, carried out an extensive search of the area and found the Mercedes abandoned in a car park on Hall Street in Crosshills.

A member of the public had earlier reported seeing a man changing the tyre of a damaged vehicle in a tunnel under the canal in Farnhill, at around 6am.

The vehicle is currently being forensically examined for clues to help identify the offender.

He is described as white, aged 30 years old, 5ft 9in tall, with a slim build. He was wearing a lime green cagoule and a grey jumper.

Detective Constable Alison Whitwell, of Skipton CID, said: "We are appealing for any information that could help us to identify the man responsible for this incident.

"I would especially like to hear from anyone else who saw the tyre change at Farnhill just before 6am.

"Hopefully this E-Fit will help to jog people's memories and assist us in progressing the investigation."

Anyone who has any information that could help the police with their enquiries is urged to contact DC Alison Whitwell, of Skipton CID, on 0845 60 60 24 7, quoting reference number 12100195894.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

11.19am - 17 November 2010