A blind man had £1,000 and jewellery belonging to his dead wife stolen by a con man claiming to be a boiler repair man.

Detectives in Havering have released an image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the theft.

In November, the victim, a man in his 50s, had arranged for a repair to his boiler.

On November 10 a man attended his home in Romford claiming to be there to carry out the repair and asked for payment.

The man claimed it would cost £650 but took all of the £1,000 the victim had got from his bank to pay him. As soon as he had the money in his possession the man left. This man turned out not to be the one the victim had organised the repair with.

The victim then found jewellery belonging to his dead wife had also been taken from his home.

Trainee Det Con Deborah Wyatt, the investigating officer, said: “This is a deplorable crime where the victim has clearly been targeted due to his blindness.

“I would appeal to the person in the image released, or anyone who recognises him, to contact us.”

Anyone who recognises the man, or who has any information, should call TDC Wyatt at Havering Borough CID on 01708 779 216.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.