A conman nicknamed Champagne Charlie has conned people out of more than £11,000 by offering cheap deals on champagne, police said.

They said the man, believed to be John Clugston, 64, from the Southwick area of Sussex, poses as a businessmen from a neighbouring company and tells them he can sell bottles of Bollinger left over from a work function.

However, once the money, usually around £1,000-£1,500 is handed over, he leaves to get the champagne but does not return.

Police said he has committed numerous offences in Kingston and other London boroughs including Southwark, Westminster, Camden, Lambeth, Hackney, Hammersmith and Fulham and the City.

He is described as white, approximately 5ft 10, medium build with dark receding hair, blue eyes and the name Sharon tattooed on his right forearm, and always wears a shirt and tie.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Anna Petherbridge, said: "He is friendly and engaging in his manner and gives his victims little cause for concern.

“However, he is slowly conning a lot of people out of a lot of money and we need the public's help to track him down. We are keen to hear from anyone may know of his whereabouts."

Anyone with information should call the Met Police non-emergency number 101. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.