A "stocky" burglar clad in all-black rummaged through a Hartlepool home as an elderly man slept.

The incident took place at a property on Station Lane on Wednesday, July 24, when the suspect entered the address and started searching the living room. 

The suspect disturbed the elderly occupant, who was asleep in the room at the same time, before heading upstairs and searching through cupboards. 

A set of car keys were taken - but the vehicle was not stolen - before the suspect then left the property.

Cleveland Police has now launched an investigation, asking anyone with CCTV of dashcam footage rom the junction of Seaton Lane and Gillpark Grove between 2-3pm to get in touch. 

A full statement said: "Detectives investigating a burglary which took place as an elderly man slept in his home in Hartlepool have appealed for CCTV and dash cam footage.

The incident happened between 2pm and 3pm on Wednesday 24th July, as a male dressed all in dark clothing and stocky build entered the address on Station Lane and searched the living room which disturbed the elderly occupant, who was asleep in the room.

"The suspect also went upstairs and searched cupboards and drawers. A set of car keys were taken, but the vehicle was not stolen before the suspect then left the property.

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"Police would appeal to anyone who may have CCTV or dash cam footage from the junction of Seaton Lane and Gillpark Grove between 2-3pm on Wednesday 24th July. They would also appeal to anyone who may have seen a male in all dark clothing in this location around the same time.

"Footage can also be uploaded here. Anyone with information is asked to contact Hartlepool CID on 101, quoting reference number 140184.

"Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111."