A RAYLEIGH woman had her £200 coat stolen on a train to Liverpool Street.

Police have released a CCTV image of a suspect they want to speak to about the theft, which took place on January 1 at 10am.

Dc Nick Thompson from British Transport Police said: “The victim, a 36-year-old woman from Rayleigh, boarded the train at Rayleigh and got off at London Liverpool Street on New Year’s Day.

“A short time later, she realised she had left her coat, a black Keela waterproof coat worth £200, on the train, on the seat next to her in the first carriage by the second set of doors.

“Later the train then left the station heading back out towards Southend. Officers checked Liverpool Street station but the coat was not handed in.”

Officers have liaised with colleagues from local police forces and viewed CCTV footage from the stations involved, and are now appealing to members of the public for their assistance.

It is believed the suspect boarded the train out of Liverpool Street at Stratford, in the direction of Hockley, and may be from the Newham area of London.

Dc Thompson added: "I would urge anyone who has any information about this theft or about the man pictured to get in touch with police, and to help us reunite this item with its rightful owner.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting background LNA/B6 of 30/01/14. Information can also be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.