Police are warning the public not to approach a violent burglar who tied up and beat a pensioner in her Sevenoaks home last year.
The masked man, who struck his victim on the head with a gun before ransacking her property, is being linked to at least five other burglaries across Kent since 2016.
Kent Police have launched a renewed appeal on BBC’s Crimewatch as they hunt for the suspect who stole around 50 items including rings, pendants and watches valued at almost £1.5 million.
The attack happened near Wildernesse Golf Club on June 21, 2024.
The incident took place in Kent
BBC Crimewatch/Kent Police
The suspect approached the victim in her garden at around 3.55pm before striking her head with the gun. The woman was then restrained while the burglar searched her home, stealing at least 50 valuable items.
In an interview with BBC’s Crimewatch Live, the victim, who remains anonymous, described it as a “horrific experience”.
She revealed she was left covered in blood after her forehead was slit open with the gun. After the attack, the masked robber fled on a bicycle before catching a train from Hildenborough railway station at 5.38pm.
Police have described the suspect as a white male with an “exceptionally” large build and muscular arms.
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WATCH: Kent Police has released an voice recording of suspect’s voice
He wore a face mask, cream coloured baseball cap and trainers with distinctive red soles. The man sometimes wore a high-visibility top when cycling and was carrying what police believe is a Timbuk2 branded bag.
CCTV footage shows the suspect using the train network, getting off at Tunbridge railway station before boarding another train to Marden. He has also been linked to stations including Staplehurst and Hildenborough.
Police believe he may have strong connections to the Staplehurst area.
Detective Inspector Maxine Harris appeared on Crimewatch yesterday to appeal for information about the suspect.
The suspect wore shoes with red soles
Kent Police
“We are continuing to make significant and extensive enquiries to track down the man responsible for this cowardly assault and burglary,” said DI Harris.
“It is possible he has strong connections to the Staplehurst area, although we are not discounting that he may live outside of Kent. He should not be approached.”
Police have formally linked the suspect to burglaries in Tonbridge, Maidstone, Marden and Ide Hill near Westerham. DI Harris urged residents to listen to an audio recording of the suspect’s voice released by police.
“We are now also urging residents to listen to the audio recording of the suspect’s voice, which includes demands made to his terrified victim,” she said.
Anyone with information can contact Kent Police online or call 01622 652006 quoting reference 46/102682/24.
