POLICE have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in relation to a burglary at the home of a vicar near Droitwich.

The Rectory in Copcut Lane, Salwarpe, is understood to have been broken into at 1.40pm on May 18 and the unidentified man was seen fleeing the scene.

The property is the home address of Reverend Nigel Byard – who works for the Saltway Team of Churches in Droitwich, Salwarpe and Martinhussingtree – and his wife and daughter.

PC Simon Rose said the man initially approached the front door with a dog 20 minutes prior to the burglary, before returning at the time of the incident.

He said a burglar entered the address “but was disturbed” and the man in the CCTV footage “fled the location in the direction of New Chawson Lane and Droitwich”.

The man police are hoping to speak to is described as white, of medium build, aged between 40 and 50 years, six feet tall and with a bald shaved head.

He was said to be wearing red rimmed glasses, a three-quarter length camo jacket, camo T-shirt with blue writing on the front, blue three-quarter length jeans and brown walking boots.

PC Rose added: “This is a burglary committed in a dwelling, and very much in the public interest as it would have been obvious that this property was that of the local church member.”

He said he suspects the man police are looking for “is local due to him walking his dog away from the scene and returning 20 minutes later without it”.

If you have any information, contact police via 101 and quote crime reference 22/47268/19.