A crook who swindled more than £40,000 from a Rayleigh man after intercepting his mail is wanted by police.

The thief, believed to be from Rayleigh too, intercepted the mail of a 43-year-old victim in October last year.

He then used the details to withdraw the eye-watering sum from several central London branches of Barclays on October 24.

After months of looking through CCTV, Essex Police believe they have pinpointed the brazen fraudster who took the cash.

Investigating officer Tanya Bailey said: “Having spent several months looking through branch CCTV, we have identified a man who we believe has committed the crime and stolen nearly £42,000.

"This man possibly lives in and around Rayleigh and possibly works in London given the location of the branch withdrawals.

“He has used both ATMs as well as taking money from the cashier at the desk.”

Police have released CCTV stills of the crook.

Anyone who recognises the man is urged to call 101.