THIS man is suspected of burgling an elderly woman's home while she was asleep in bed.

The break-in happened in Mendip Crescent, Westcliff, when a man broke into a bungalow.

He went into the bedroom of the victim, who is in her seventies, and began rifling though her handbag.

She awoke to the sound of rustling and was stunned to find him standing at the side of her bed.

The brave woman then shouted at him until he finally ran off with the handbag, which contained at least £100.

It happened shortly after midnight on Saturday, August 18.

Detectives have released the e-fit in the hope someone will recognise him.

He is white, aged in his early 30s, of slim build, is approximately 5ft 6ins tall and was smartly dressed in a white shirt and trousers at the time.

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