An E-fit image has today been released after burglars dragged a sleeping Letchworth woman out of bed, slapping her and pulling her around by her hair as they demanded passports and jewellery.

The horrendous aggravated burglary – which has left the victim, a woman in her 60s, traumatised – happened in Ridge Road between 10.30pm and 10.45pm on Monday, March 20, when a group of men broke in through a window and ransacked all the rooms.

They then entered the bedroom, where the woman was sleeping, and dragged her out of bed before slapping her across the face.

Pulling her around by her hair, the intruders demanded to know the whereabouts of her passports and Asian jewellery.

They took £100 in cash before leaving. It is thought that another two men were involved.

Following an appeal a week ago, Det Con Kerry Burrows of the North Herts local crime unit said today: “We are appealing to anyone who thinks they may know the man pictured, as we are keen to speak to him as part of our investigation.

“Thankfully the victim was not badly injured during the incident, but she has understandably been left traumatised by the event and intrusion into her home.

“Incidents like this are unusual in Letchworth and I want to reiterate that we are doing all we can to trace those responsible.

“Families who own sizeable amounts of expensive heirloom jewellery should strongly consider taking precautionary steps and placing these items in secure deposit boxes with properly accredited companies or banks.”

Det Con Burrows added: “I would also like to re-appeal to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area around the times stated to please come forward.

“It is thought the men were using a silver saloon-type vehicle – possibly a high-powered Audi. Any information you have could prove crucial to the investigation.”

If you recognise the man pictured or have any other information that could help the investigation, you should contact the North Herts local crime unit on 101, quoting crime reference G2/17/647.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will never need to go to court.