Simon Cowell burglary: CCTV footage of man suspected of breaking into the music mogul’s home released by Metropolitan Police

‘The occupants were unharmed during the incident but understandably are shaken,’ say police

CCTV footage has been released of the man suspected of breaking into Simon Cowell’s home and stealing items of a “sentimental value” worth £500,000.

The video issued by the Metropolitan Police shows a man dressed in dark clothing and carrying something under his arm as he jogs along a street.

Police say the music mogul, his partner Lauren Silverman and their son, Eric, were sleeping at their house in London’s Holland Park when the break in happened in on December 4.

The CCTV still of the man police want to trace in connection with the burglary on Simon Cowell's home (Metropolitan Police)

A patrolling security guard challenged the suspect, who then fled after the guard wrestled the bag containing stolen cash and jewellery off him.

A number of items were discovered near the home, which are believed to have been dropped by the burglar as he made off on foot.

The suspect is described as around 5ft 10ins, slim, wearing a dark jacket, dark trousers and a red woolly hat.

A 37-year-old man had previously been arrested in connection with the burglary and has been bailed until January pending further enquiries.

The suspect is described as around 5ft 10ins, slim, wearing a dark jacket, dark trousers and a red woolly hat (Metropolitan Police)

Detective Chief Inspector Will Young of Kensington and Chelsea CID said: “This is an ongoing investigation involving a number of lines of enquiry and we are actively following all leads in an effort to identify the suspect concerned.

“A man has already been arrested in connection with this incident and is currently on police bail.

“The occupants were unharmed during the incident but understandably are shaken by what happened and are keen to recover all of the items that were stolen which are of sentimental value.”

Anyone with information about the man in the CCTV footage is asked to call Kensington and Chelsea CID on 020 8246 0137 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.