A MAN has been charged in connection with a series of distraction burglaries across the West Midlands.

Bernard McDonagh has been charged with 17 offences which include burglary, robbery, assault with intent to commit robbery and attempted burglary.

The charges are in relation to a string of offences in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Solihull in recent weeks.

Many of the burglaries targeted elderly victims and in one incident an 88-year-old woman was assaulted in Erdington.

McDonagh, aged 59, has also been charged with absconding from HMP Springhill in Buckinghamshire.

He was remanded to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court today (Saturday October 12).

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: "Officers worked diligently to trace the suspect who was arrested following a raid in South Yardley.

"We're also grateful for all the support and information we've received from the public during our enquiries so far.

"We still want information about the distraction burglaries, and to hear from anyone else who may have been a victim."

Anyone with information can contact officers via Live Chat on the force website, or by calling 101, and quote 20/819250/24.

Alternatively, people can report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.