Detectives hunting a violent burglar, who hit homes in Maidstone and Sevenoaks during a series of terrifying raids, have praised the public for their reaction to the appeal.

It was revealed earlier this week that police were investigating claims that victims across the south east were subjected to "unnecessary violence" and threatened with a shotgun in seven separate attacks.

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, and has been dubbed the Night Watcher.

Since launching the appeal, however, officers say they have received dozens of emails and phone calls from members of the public.

Detective Inspector Dee Fielding from Surrey Police, speaking on behalf of Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Thames Valley Police Forces, said: “We have had a brilliant reaction from the public to our appeal with more than 100 emails and phone calls coming into our dedicated email address OpPrometheus@surrey.pnn.police.uk and through our contact centre.

“I would also like to thank the media for their help in publicising this case which will hopefully bring an offender to justice.

"The public are key in helping with our enquiries and I would urge anybody with any information to get in touch.

“We will now get to work on assessing the information and see how it impacts on the future of the investigations being carried out by ourselves and our colleagues at Kent, Sussex and Thames Valley police forces.

“At this stage it is too early to say what other cases may form a part of our enquiries, however will be keeping an open mind and we will keep the public updated as we progress.”

The offender is described as being white, of stocky/muscular build, around 6ft tall and speaks with a south of England accent.

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