British Transport Police officers are releasing a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to after a bag holding a laptop was stolen.

The incident happened on Thursday, 22 January, shortly after 7pm.

The victim, a 35-year-old, man boarded a train at Barking railway station, which was heading in the direction of Southend. He was carrying a black Wenger backpack containing a laptop and other items which he placed on the seat next to him.

The victim alighted at Grays railway station at around 11.25pm leaving his backpack onboard the train. The train continued its journey before the victim realised that he had left his bag in the train.

CCTV footage shows that a man who was sat in the same carriage as the victim picked up the bag and placed it on a different seat before rummaging through the bag. Shortly before he left the train the man moved the victim’s bag from the seat to the floor area by the doors. He then left the train with the victim’s bag.

Investigating Officer PC Kevin Cornell said: “I am keen to speak to the man in the CCTV images as he may hold vital information to my investigation.

“Anyone with any information or anyone who witnessed the incident should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference ESUB/B4 of 05/03/15.”