A spate of six burglaries and attempted break-ins in one afternoon has prompted a police search for a dirty black Audi which they believe was stolen and involved in the crimes.

The properties were targeted across north Essex between 2.20pm and 8.10pm on January 18, with officers believing the crimes may be linked.

One of the men involved has been described as having an eye injury and wearing a baseball cap.

• Between 2pm and 3.45pm a four-figure sum of cash was taken from a property in Cambridge Road, Littlebury.

• In Halstead, four men - described as white and wearing baseball caps - tried to get into an address in Mathews Close at around 6.25pm.

• In nearby Pebmarsh a window was broken at an address in Mill Lane shortly after 6.50pm. The victim described seeing four men in an Audi outside.

• Four men, described as white and young in age, were disturbed trying to break into an address in Shelfcroft, Colne Engaine just before 7.20pm. They made off in a black Audi which was described as very dirty and had a ‘soft top’.

• Shortly before 8pm watches and jewellery were taken during a break-in at an address in Crocklands, Greenstead Green.

• Finally at around 8.10pm keys for a car were taken from address in Back Lane, Stisted. Three or four men - described as white and in their late teens or early 20s, slim and between 6ft and 6ft 3ins tall were seen in the area shortly after.

An Audi car was found in Back Lane and has since been recovered.

Detective Inspector Gary Biddle said: “We believe these incidents are linked due to the descriptions of those involved and the locations where they have taken place.

“These incidents mainly took place in rural locations but I believe there will be people who will have seen these men travelling between the addresses.

“I need anyone who saw the men or a dirty, black Audi S3 with the registration plate FV65 FCU.

“We believe the Audi had been stolen and both vehicles were on false number plates.

“I appreciate these are concerning incidents for those in the communities involved. We have a significant number of resources dedicated to this investigation and we are already making good progress.

“Officers will be out in the communities involved carrying out enquiries and providing reassurance.

“Information from the public will be really important to finding those responsible and if you’ve seen or heard something, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, I need you to call us.”

Those who may have seen something or who have CCTV or dash cam footage are asked to call police on 101 quoting Op Latte.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.