A major police operation is underway to catch a violent burglar dubbed the Night Watcher after a series of terrifying raids.

Victims were subjected to "unnecessary violence" and threatened with a shotgun in each of the seven raids across the South East, including Maidstone and Sevenoaks.

Detectives believe the man responsible - who is said to watch houses for weeks at a time before striking under the cover of darkness - may have specialist military skills.

Operation Prometheus was launched today by Surrey Police in an attempt to track the man down before he strikes again.

Detective Inspector Dee Fielding, who is leading the investigation, revealed officers in Kent first linked the raids.

She said: "It was Kent Police that had put out the original information to other forces and realised there had been similar offences across the country.

"Each of the offences is being individually investigated by the forces."

And while each incident was "extremely distressing" for the victims, DI Fielding described the type of crime as "incredibly unusual".

Officers believe the culprit might be ex-services due to his levels of preparation and his commanding nature when committing the crimes.

In each raid, he has used violence and the threat of a sawn-off shotgun to take jewellery and other items.

He struck in Sevenoaks in November 2016, and again in Maidstone in January 2017. Other raids have taken place in Berkshire, Surrey and Sussex.

DI Fielding continued: "Each of these burglaries have been extremely distressing for the victims involved.

"We do not believe this to be the work of an opportunist burglar, but someone who has specialist knowledge and skills - possibly ex-forces or from a similar background, both due to the way he has behaved and the circumstances of each incident.

"The burglaries all appear to be the work of someone who is confident, commanding, who knows exactly what they are doing, and who is incredibly decisive in their actions.

"On each occasion unnecessary levels of violence have been used in addition to a firearm, which he has used to threaten the victims. Several of the victims were tied with cable-ties.

"He has worked quickly and appears to have a knowledge of who is in the home at the time of each attack, the location of safes, and the layout of the property. We have evidence that he was watching several of the houses prior to the burglaries, sometimes for weeks at a time.

"More than £1m worth of property has been taken in total including irreplaceable heirlooms, some of which have little to no monetary value but are hugely sentimental to the victims.

"However, this investigation is primarily driven with the aim of preventing any further harm coming to anybody else by identifying and bringing a violent and dangerous man to justice.

"Whoever is responsible for these incidents may seem to have cash or income disproportionate to their job, they might also be travelling frequently, or away for long periods of time without explanation.

"If you are aware of someone who fits the description and profile, or someone who is behaving suspiciously - we urge you to get in touch with us immediately.

"If you have information about any of the individual incidents please come forward. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help identify this suspect. If you have any information you think can help, please do get in touch."

Police say the man is likely to be confident and comfortable operating alone.

He may be away from home regularly for extended periods of time with an income disproportionate to his job.

He has specialist knowledge and skills – potentially ex forces or similar.

He is described as white, with a stocky build, around 6ft tall with a southern accent.

People who think they may know the man can call 101 and ask for Surrey Police regardless of your current location

They should tell the call handler you're calling with information regarding Op Prometheus

Alternatively you can email OpPrometheus@surrey.pnn.police.uk or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.