POLICE in England appealed for help in tracing a man wanted in connection with s string of armed robberies.

West Mercia Constabulary want to talk to Haik Madoyan in connection with 31 armed robberies across England and Wales.

The offences netted in excess of £220,000 and were primarily at foreign exchange and travel agents over the past three years.

Madoyan, a 35-year-old Armenian, entered the UK in 2001 claiming asylum status but, although this was finally rejected in 2003, he remained in the UK.

Also known as Hayk Matoyan, Martin Fisnar and Hamid Riza, the former karate coach with the Armenian Karate team comes from Yerevan in Armenia.

Police believe Madoyan's right eye is a prosthetic replacement after he lost his eye during military service in Armenia in 1992.

In addition, as a result of his injuries his left eye can appear watery.

He is described as having a tanned or Mediterranean complexion, being around 5ft 6-7 inches tall and of a stocky - overweight build.

He has short, dark receding hair and a scar on the left-hand side of his face. His speech is heavily accented.

DI Andy Price said: "These robberies are believed to have been carried out by one man.

"I would like to speak to Madoyan in connection with these offences and would ask anyone who knows his whereabouts to contact police immediately on 08457 444 888, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the dedicated Crimewatch number until midnight on April 24.

"We know he has lived, and may have associates, in Middlesex, Coventry and Gloucester and in 2007 he was known to have lived at a number of addresses on Northampton.

"I would strongly advise members of the public not to approach this individual due to the nature of the crimes he is wanted in connection with, but call the police if they see him."

The appeal for information on Madoyan is also set to feature as part of the BBC's Crimewatch programme on Thursday, April 24 at 2100.

West Mercia police can be contacted on 01905 453 611.

After this time, anyone with information on Madoyan or any of the robberies is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or DI Andy Price on 08457 444 888, quoting Operation Coast.