CCTV: Man breaks into pensioner's house while she sleeps in the next room

The man is seen taking the woman's handbag on CCTV

Police have released CCTV footage showing the moment a man suspected of breaking into a home in Essex and stealing a handbag while a woman in her 70s was asleep in the next room.

A man was arrested in connection with the incident, but has since been eliminated from enquiries. Police hope the video will help to identify the suspect.

The footage includes a close up of the man's face

The man is seen wearing a black hoody, a beanie hat and gloves.

The intruder took a handbag containing cash from the home.

The bag was later found discarded but a purse, pen and cash were all missing.

Cash, a purse and a pen were all taken

The pen is believed to be of sentimental value to the woman as it was given to her by her late husband.

Watch the video of the burglary on the High Street in Ongar below.