DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a widow say they want to speak to a 23-year-old man who originates from Kent.

Catherine Grosstephan was discovered dead in her home in Sidney Road, Theydon Bois, Essex, on Friday, May 19, after concerned relatives contacted the police.

A post mortem revealed that the 89-year-old victim had been asphyxiated and later it was confirmed she was subject to a serious sexual assault.

Police now want to speak to Scott Thompson (aka Delafuente). He is about 5ft 9ins tall with short cropped brown hair and hazel eyes.

He has a small but distinctive vertical scar above his left eyebrow as well as a scar on one of his forearms and his left thumb. He is known to be a smoker.

He is currently homeless and usually sleeping rough. Although he originates from Kent he is also familiar with the West Essex and East London areas and most recently has been seen in East London, particularly Walthamstow. He is also known to have associates in Glasgow and Leicestershire.

Police are asking the public not to approach Mr Thompson but to report any sightings of him to the police.

Immediate sightings should be reported via the 999 system. Any other information about his recent movements or possible whereabouts should be reported to a special Information Bureau on 0800 056 0154.