A MYSTERY man could hold the key to the bogus caller burglary that led to a widower's death.

Detectives are urging the man to come forward after telling a police officer he knew the identity of the culprit.

George Sharpe, 82, died of a heart attack on Wednesday while being comforted by relatives at his home in Faraday Terrace, Haswell, County Durham, only hours after a man posing as a council worker stole £200 from a drawer in his living room.

A team of 40 detectives is hunting the thief and is also investigating possible links to two other distraction burglaries in Darlington and Stockton.

The pensioner was the victim of a similar theft 11 months ago when more than £2,000 was stolen.

The man leading the inquiry, Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson, said that at about 2am on Thursday a man in his late 20s or early 30s told a woman police officer in a patrol car outside Mr Sharpe's house that he knew the burglar's identity, suggesting it was someone from outside the village.

Det Supt Stephenson said: "For some reason he appeared to be worried about divulging the details and made reference to making contact with CID officers at Peterlee.

"He walked off quickly up Faraday Terrace and disappeared around a corner. Shortly afterwards a vehicle was seen driving away.

"I would like this man to get in touch with me as quickly as possible. Any information he has will be treated in the strictest of confidence. It could be vitally important to the course of the inquiry."

Det Supt Stephenson said there appeared to be striking similarities between the Haswell burglary and those at Darlington and Stockton.

The man who stole from Mr Sharpe claimed to be an employee from the local authority and was calling to do some draught-proofing work.

Police have delivered leaflets about the crime to the village's 400 homes and put up posters in pubs and other community buildings.

But Det Supt Stephenson said: "I know that the people of Haswell want to help me, but the information I have received so far from the community has been a little disappointing."

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to contact Peterlee police on 0191-586 2621 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.