A brazen thief was caught on camera looting a Westminster home of items of "huge sentimental value" - including thousands of pounds worth of gold.

The footage shows the burglar casually searching cupboards for loot while carrying a torch in his mouth after breaking into the property in Montagu Square.

Police were called to reports of a burglary at a residential address at around 9.30pm on Monday July 31 but the suspect fled before officers arrived.

The thief had snatched a 1962 Rolex, valued at £2,000, a 1960s Faberge-style china egg, as well as four gold rings and two costume gold necklaces, estimated to be worth £2,400.

Detective Constable Andrea Hewes said: "The items stolen are of huge sentimental value to their owner who is deeply upset about the intrusion and the thefts.

"We have clear CCTV of the suspect committing the burglary, and we would urge anyone who recognises the man, or who has come across the items stolen, to get in touch with us."

Police believe the suspect gained access through the front ground floor window, which appeared to have been forced open.

The property’s CCTV system automatically notified the homeowner, who was away at that time, that a potential break-in was taking place. Police were then contacted.

Police are looking for this man

No arrests have yet been made.

Detectives are releasing footage from the burglary, taken from CCTV inside the property, as officers appeal for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police in Westminster on 0207 321 7616 or call Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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