The e-fit of a suspected burglar has caused much amusement among social media users.

Essex Police issued the image as part of an appeal to track down a couple who are believed to have stolen a man’s jacket and coat in August.

The woman was described as being 5ft 2in, with curly hair and rosy red cheeks.

But Echo readers could not take the digital sketch seriously and instead insisted they had spotted the woman elsewhere.

Rob Densham said: “Dear Lord! Let me guess, breaking and entering, stealing porridge and sleeping around.”

His thoughts were echoed by Claire Fenlon who said: “Think she may live in a cottage with three bears! Loves porridge.”

Nicola Hayes said the image caused more questions than it answered and wrote: “With today’s technology available is this really the best e-fit we can get? Is it a man in drag? Is it supposed to be a woman? Why do they have gold eyebrows? So many questions.”

Other commenters likened the image to TV personality Lily Savage, Nickelback singer Chad Kroeger, Chewbacca and children’s character Worzel Gummidge

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are appealing for information about a burglary in Canvey.

“A man and a woman entered a home in Linden Way at 11.40pm on Saturday, August 19.

“A beige men’s jacket containing a wallet was stolen.

“The man was wearing a black jacket, black trousers and a black balaclava.

“The woman was slim, about 5ft 2ins tall and had long wavy blonde hair.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Jodie Kinsley at Basildon CID on 101.

Alternatively, contact charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or crimestoppers-uk.org