Police name 51-year-old Lewisham man they are hunting in connection with a string of house burglaries in the area

Detectives investigating five house raids in south-east London – four of them in October – have named a man they urgently want to trace in connection with their enquiries.

Desmond Mark, 51, is believed to have links with the Deptford, Brockley, Catford and New Cross areas of London.

Mark is a black man, described as 5ft 8ins, slim build, with scruffy facial hair, pock marked skin, and is currently believed to be walking with a limp.

The appeal comes following an investigation by the South East Burglary and Robbery Investigation Team into the following house burglaries:

– in Vesta Road, SE4 on Tuesday, 18 August;

– in Halesworth Road, SE13 on Friday, 2 October;

– in Barriedale Road, SE14 on Saturday, 3 October;

– in Inchmery Road, SE6 on Monday, 26 October;

– in Sayes Court Street, SE8 on Tuesday, 27 October.

Detective Inspector Martin Thomas of the Met’s South East Burglary and Robbery Investigation Team, said: “Today we have released an image of Desmond Mark, who we would urgently like to speak to in connection with our investigation and I am appealing for members of the public to help us identify his whereabouts.

“Someone must have information on where he is and I would like to take this opportunity to remind the public that anyone who is involved in harbouring a person that is being sought by police, could potentially be committing a criminal offence.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD reference 5296/06NOV2020.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or contact them via crimestoppers-uk.org.