Police in Barnet have launched an appeal to trace a man described as a “Jewish male” who may have vital information about an attempted burglary.

The man, who was wearing a kippah, drove after two men who had been seen leaving an empty flat in Bridge Lane, Golders Green, north west London. Subsequently police said the man saw the suspects drive away in a blue Renault Megane. The “Jewish male” was driving a white or cream-coloured people carrier.

Immediately before chasing the suspects, the “Jewish male” had stopped to help a neighbour who heard noise in the flat and saw the men leaving. The neighbour grabbed one of them by his jumper, but the man slipped out of it and ran off after saying: “I have a knife.”

Detective Constable Paul Richardson of Barnet CID said: “We would desperately like to speak to the driver of the people carrier as he may have information vital to this enquiry. All witnesses can speak to police in complete confidence.

“Both these men deserve recognition for their action. It is this sort of bravery and community spirit that gives us all hope, even when our lives are blighted by crime. I would ask that anyone who may have witnessed this matter to get in touch with us.”

Witnesses should contact DC Richardson 0300 123 1212 or phone CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 1111, quoting reference 2425312/10.