A man wanted by Polish authorities in connection with five armed robberies could be in Essex.

Mariusz Kuliga, 21, is thought to be involved with the raids which used a replica gun dating back to March 2013.

He is being sought by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Extradition Unit as part of Operation Sunfire aiming to find foreign national believed to be hiding in the UK.

The latest round is looking for 17 people.

It is thought Kuliga, a Polish national, has links to Barking and Dagenham, Newham and Essex.

Detective Sergeant Peter Rance, leading Operation Sunfire 4, said: “We believe these people are dangerous, so taking them out of our communities and putting them before the courts is of paramount importance.

“I urge the public to look closely at the pictures. Do you recognise these men? It may be that they live next door to you, or you see them regularly elsewhere in your community.

“If you have information on their whereabouts please tell Crimestoppers so we can arrest them. If you see them, call 999 and do not approach them.

“The Met is committed to arresting dangerous criminals, whether they are British or foreign nationals. We conduct extensive enquiries on a daily basis, however experience tells us that co-ordinated operations such as Sunfire encourage the public to provide us with the information that often leads to arrests.”

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.