POLICE are getting closer to finding a man who could have information on a burglary in Sible Hedingham, where the victim was shot and "left for dead". 

The man was seen by a passer-by sitting in a car with another man parked up in a lay-by on Wethersfield Road, between Sible Hedingham and the Blackmore End turning, at about 1.50am on Saturday February 6.

Detective Inspector Rob Kirby said: "We have been able to produce an e-fit of the man who was sat in the driver’s seat of this car which is described as a sporty version of a metallic silver mark II Fiat Punto.

"In the passenger seat of this car was a man in his twenties who was white and bald. If you recognise yourself from this description or if anyone else believes they know someone who looks like this e-fit and drives a silver Punto then we would like to hear from you."

He said police have received a positive response from the community and are following up all calls they receive.

He said: "We want to find the men responsible as soon as possible.

"This was a callous and extremely violent unprovoked attack. It would have been obvious how serious the victim’s injuries were but they left him for dead.”

The break-in occurred at the house in Rectory Road in Sible Hedingham shortly before 4.40am on Saturday.

The two suspects are both white, aged in their twenties, of slim build and wearing dark clothing. One of them is described as bald.

Anyone with information can call Braintree CID on 101 or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A £1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the offenders.