A violent armed robber who threatens people in their homes could still be at large, police say.

Last year police made a national appeal for information to find a sawn-off shotgun wielding burglar, dubbed the Night Watcher, who has struck in Maidstone, Sevenoaks and Surrey.

He is thought to have taken more than £10 million in loot from 12 raids between 2006 and 2017.

During each raid the burglar ties victims up and threatens them with a shotgun.

Surrey Police launched Operation Prometheus in January 2018 to find the violent burglar, after the bulk of offences took place in its county.

His two Kent offences took place in Sevenoaks in November 2016 and Maidstone January 2017.

DCI Mark Preston said: "Since we went public with the appeal last year we have identified a further five offences, in addition to the original seven, which we believe may have been carried out by the same person.

"This is because of the very specific similarities in the ways they were committed, for example the use of ties, the commanding nature of the offender and the possession of a sawn-off shotgun."

Police have identified and ruled out more than 220 people as potential persons of interest since January last year.

Four more incidents are said to have significant links to the burglar and are being taken under consideration.

"We are under no illusions about the impact these cases have had on the victims and we have been absolutely committed to finding the person responsible..." DCI Mark Preston

"I would like to re-iterate our thanks to the public and media for their support when we appealed for help last year. The appeal generated a vast amount of information which we have been working through over the last year.

"I hope it is of reassurance that since the last offence occurred in October 2017, there have been no further offences identified that fit within this series. This may be down to a number of hypotheses, including that the offender has left the country or has died.

"We are under no illusions about the impact these cases have had on the victims and we have been absolutely committed to finding the person responsible. We are confident that the lines of enquiry we have followed have been thoroughly tested and exhausted. At this stage we have gone as far as we can, but will of course re-examine these cases should any fresh evidence come to light."

The Night Watcher is described as white, with a stocky/muscular build and around six foot tall. He spoke with a southern English accent.

Anyone with any information should call 101 and ask for Surrey Police and quote Operation Prometheus. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.