POLICE are hunting a man wanted in connection with "numerous offences" after two cars were stolen earlier this week.

Officers gave chase to a thief after witnessing him steal a car in Chingford at around 5am on Tuesday, November 13, but lost him.

They have now identified him as a man wanted on suspicion of repeat offending.

But police have not revealed his identity and he is still at large.

The police were called to Woodberry Way, Chingford, after a homeowner woke to see his car stolen from outside his house and driven towards Kings Head Hill.

He phoned the police, who sent a squad car which searched the immediate area, finding the car abandoned in Pole Hill Road.

An officer then noticed a man stealing another vehicle, and gave chase before losing him.

PC Darren Brand warned households that there has been a spike in car crime in Chingford Green ward recently, with 49 reported offences in the last two months.

He said: "We are doing everything possible to detect and arrest offenders but you can help by taking precautions with your own vehicles by making sure that you lock your vehicle, leave nothing on display and park sensibly in well-lit areas."

The Guardian has requested more detail from the police.