POLICE have released this image of a man they wish to speak with after a number of people were defrauded out of more than £30,000 by a bogus landlord.

Between April and June, criminals advertised flats for rent in Ealing, Lambeth, Islington, Barnet and Kilburn. The adverts were published on the Gumtree website.

A number of prospective tenants responded to the adverts and subsequently handed over large deposits, totalling more than £30,000.

When the new tenants arrived with their belongings on their moving-in dates, it became apparent they had been victims of a scam.

The bogus landlord has given a variety of names, including Adam Holt, Craig Myers, and Ashley Elliot, but all could be fake identities.

He is described as a smartly-dressed black man in his 30s with short black hair. He sometimes wears glasses.

He is also known to work with others, including a taller black man with a moustache and a black woman. All dress smartly in business clothes.

Police are aware of six victims so far, but believe there may be more. Officers are advising potential victims to carry out basic checks before handing over money.

If you can help, call 101 and quote reference 1217609/15. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.