A MAN put £50 of petrol into a car with stolen number plates before driving off without paying.

The driver, thought to be wearing a wig, pulled into the Asda petrol station at Thurrock Park Way in Tilbury at around 9.45am on Thursday, January 2.

He put £50 of petrol into the green Ford Focus he was driving before leaving without making any attempt to pay.

Police have released a CCTV image of the suspect.

A spokesman for the force said: "Initial enquiries have established that the car was fitted with stolen number plates and police would like to hear from anyone who recognises the man or who has any other information about the theft. The suspect is believed to have been wearing a wig."

Anyone with information can call PC Aidan Walsh at Essex Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.