POLICE investigating a string of distraction burglaries across Hampshire and southern England are appealing for help tracing a man.

Officers have taken the unusual step of releasing the name and a photograph of 67-year-old William Cook as someone they believe is a danger to the public.

They are now hoping for help tracking him down.

Xhead Cook, who originally comes from East London and Essex, speaks with a London accent and sometimes uses the name Brian.

Detective Sergeant Phil Jones said: "Cook is quite a distinctive individual and I am hopeful that anyone who has seen him would recognise him and be able to contact us.

"While we would not wish to alarm the public, we believe he poses a significant threat and possible danger to elderly people therefore it is essential that anyone who has any information about his whereabouts contacts us."

Cook is described as white, 5ft 9in, of heavy build with a slight paunch, and has white, collar-length hair.

He has a large scar on the front of his body and tattoos on both arms, often wears large rings on his fingers and may currently have a leg injury that causes him to walk slowly.