DETECTIVES have released an E-Fit of a woman wanted in connection with a violent burglary in Golders Green in February.

Intruders assaulted a woman in her home before bounding her to a chair with masking tape and stealing jewellery.

The image released by Barnet police is of a woman believed to have been employed as a cleaner at the home.

Known as Marcella or Maria, she had been referred to the victim by a friend. While she was working at the house police said she let in two white men who attacked the victim.

In the course of the burglary, a police statement said Maria/Marcella was seen to direct the two men who eventually stole about £30,000 worth of jewellery.

Maria/Marcella is described as a Romanian woman, in her early 30's, who frequently changed her hair colour. Her hair was long and worn in a ponytail.

Detective Constable Paul Walker, the officer in the case, said police are keen to trace the woman and prevent any other residents “being duped” and becoming the victim of crime.

He said: "This is a serious case and we are very keen to speak to this women.

“I would ask anyone who thinks they know this person or has been approached to employ someone of this description to contact police immediately so we can eliminate them from our enquires.

“All information will be treated as confidential and might prevent another person going through this terrifying ordeal.”

Police said the victim is from the Jewish community, as is the friend who recommended the cleaner, and it is possible other members of the community may have used this woman's services.

Anyone with information should call DC Paul Walker at Barnet CID on 020 8733 4595 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 2402783/10.