POLICE have named a man they want to talk to in connection with a string of distraction burglaries in Kent and other counties in southern England.

Matthew Peter Shipman, 24, who uses various names, poses as a doorstep seller before entering the homes of elderly people and stealing cash.

One victim was a 76-year-old woman from East Peckham, near Maidstone, who in September last year allowed the thief into her home for coffee and to use the toilet. When he had gone she discovered cash was missing.

Other burglaries believed to have been committed by Shipman in the past two years include one at Tenterden, two in Sussex, another in Devon and one in Berkshire.

Det Con Tony Holden said: "We urgently need to speak to Mr Shipman and would appeal to anyone who knows him or knows where he lives to contact the police."

Shipman is described as 6ft tall, of slim build and has short, fair hair. He is known to have used other names including Matthew Duffield, Matthew James Harvey, Terence Steven King, Andrew Joseph Shipman and Robert James Wilson.

Anyone with information should contact police on 01732 370659 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.