AN audacious thief may have mingled with cricketers before stealing cash and personal belongings from their dressing room during a game.

Police believe a stranger at Crook's Dawson Street ground on Tuesday night may have rifled through the pockets of the visiting Brandon XI while they were on the field of play.

The Brandon team enjoyed a 40-run victory, but the celebrations were cut short when they discovered the theft.

It was only then that officials from both clubs realised that none of them knew the mystery man they had seen chatting with the teams, helping with car parking and half-time drinks and going out on to the pitch for the pre-match toss-up.

Police have issued an e-fit of the suspect, who was in his late-40s or early-50s, 6ft 1in, with grey hair and a small moustache.

He wore glasses and a green T-shirt.

PC Rhoda Malins said: "People saw him downstairs and each team thought he was with the other team.

"He seemed quite confident and we are concerned he might try this sort of thing again.

"If anyone saw him in the area or noticed anyone acting suspiciously between 7pm and 9pm, we would like to hear from them."

Anyone who recognises the man or has any other information can contact PC Malins at Crook police station on (01388) 762011.