A THIEF stole an elderly woman's handbag after pretending to be a police officer in her home.

At about 8.55pm on Monday March 24, a man was challenged when he gained entry to a flat in Broomfield Road owned by a woman in her 80s.

When asked who he was, the male said he was a police officer.

Shortly after he left, the flat owner discovered her handbag had been stolen.

An E-fit has been released by police investigating the case of the suspect who is described as 5ft 10ins tall, wearing dark clothing and had a thin moustache.

Anyone with information should contact Chelmsford CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.