POLICE are appealing for information on the identity of a burglar after arresting a man believed to be an accomplice.

Two men kicked their way through the front door of a flat at Fortune Steps, Kursaal Way, on the Woodgrange Estate, Southend, shortly after 5:30am on December 9 and, once inside, threatened a woman and her children with a knife, stealing an iPhone and phone charger.

Officers attended the scene and later arrested Terry Byrd a short distance away. The 29-year-old unemployed man from Thorney Bay Caravan Park, Canvey, was later charged with one count of committing aggravated burglary.

He was detained in police custody and appeared at Southend Magistrates' Court on Friday, where he denied the charges. The case has now been sent for trial at Basildon Crown Court at an undisclosed date. Byrd was denied bail and remanded in custody until July 11.

Investigating officer Dc Paul Ross, said: "There were two men who committed this burglary and who stole a mobile telephone. They ran off a short time before we arrived. We need to identify a man and locate him. With this in mind, we’re looking to speak with any residents on the Woodgrange Estate who saw this man running off from Fortune Steps just before six last Thursday morning.”

Anyone with information in connection with this burglary is urged to contact detectives at Southend police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.