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A violent lone raider behind armed burglaries of mansions across the South East may be a "highly professional soldier", according to Surrey Police.

The burglar, who has been dubbed the 'Night Watcher' due to his meticulous research ahead of each raid, has been described as a "well-spoken intelligent thief".

His use of cable ties, high level of organisation and ability to escape leaving few clues all point towards a forces background, and police now fear he could seriously injure or kill his next victim.

:: 'Night Watcher' victim: He put a shotgun to my chest

Detective Inspector Dee Fielding, from Surrey Police, said: "Each of these burglaries have been extremely distressing for the victims involved.

"We do not believe this to be the work of an opportunist burglar, but someone who has specialist knowledge and skills - possibly ex forces or from a similar background due to the way he has behaved and the circumstances of each incident."

The string of burglaries at luxury homes across the South East has left victims traumatised, with one resident left fearing she was going to be raped and killed.

Susan Morris, 61, was alone in her home when she was confronted by a masked man pointing a sawn-off shotgun at her.

Mrs Morris said: "I just heard this very loud voice behind me shout: 'I want the jewellery. Show me the safe.' He came towards me with a shotgun."

She was terrified as the powerfully built man, wearing a balaclava and gloves, grabbed her arm and forced her upstairs.

"He was gripping me hard all the time, everywhere including my breasts. We got to the dressing room and I opened the safe.

"I gave him the jewellery, but he said he wanted more. He was angry and hitting me all over the place, just hard enough to hurt a lot without knocking me out."

Mrs Morris suffered a broken jaw and lost a tooth during the attack which left her heavily bruised.

"He got me to touch the shotgun to show me it was real and not plastic. Then he told me to lie down and that's when I thought he was going to rape me.

"He dragged me across the floor by my hair and then things got even worse. He pointed the shotgun at my head and I really thought: 'This is it. He's going to kill me.'"

Her husband Stephen, a businessman, arrived back shortly after the gunman fled their home in Kingswood, Surrey.

The suspect is thought to have stolen more than a million pounds' worth of jewellery, watches and cash from wealthy victims since 2014.

Among his victims were the Earl and Countess of March, attacked, robbed and tied up at their historic Goodwood Home in the Sussex Downs.

Their stolen heirlooms included a £400,000 tiara and an emerald ring that King Charles II gave to his mistress.

Detectives believe the burglar stakes out his target homes for days before seizing an opportunity to get in through an unlocked door.

Appealing for help from the public, DI Fielding said: "There must be a member of the public out there who will know somebody who could fit this profile - someone who is confident enough, who has special skills, potentially ex-military or law enforcement, someone able to use violence on their own to tie up a number of people while committing offences.

"We are worried the violence could escalate and a victim could get really badly hurt or worse."

He is believed to carry out raids about once every six months, possibly each time he needs more money.

The man is described as white, 6ft, stocky and muscular and he speaks with a southern accent.

Police say DNA evidence was found at the scene of one of the raids, but has not been traced to any other offences.

He is suspected of two burglaries in Kingswood, and others in Maidenhead, Chichester, Sevenoaks, Maidstone and Virginia Water, the last in October last year.

Anyone with information is urged to call 101 and ask for Surrey Police, Operation Prometheus, or email [email protected]. Anonymous calls can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.