This man, charged with a kidnapping in Wimbledon, is among a list of London’s most wanted.

Named as John Leroy Birtle, he has not been seen since 2002 when he failed to appear at Kingston Crown Court for his trial.

He has been included in the high-profile register of the capital’s most wanted, released by the Metropolitan Police this week.

Officers are yet to disclose details of the offence other than it occurred in All Saints Road in February, 2002.

Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers, based in London Road, Morden, is running a website containing details and images of the wanted criminals or suspected criminals at crimestoppers-uk.org/londonmostwanted.

The Met’s deputy commissioner, Tim Goodwin, said: “The police work tirelessly to catch people who have committed, or are suspected of committing crimes, but we will always need the public's help.

"This new website carries more information than ever before, allowing the public to search by crime type and location.

"This is a great tool that everyone can use to help make London even safer by helping us get criminals off our streets."

Founder and chairman of Crimestoppers, Lord Ashcroft, added: “We undoubtedly have one of the most exciting and vibrant capital cities in the world, so as a community we must take a stand against crime to help improve London even more.

“I strongly urge the public to take a look at London's Most Wanted site to see if you recognise any of the individuals and pass on information you may have about them to Crimestoppers.

"Information is vital in helping police capture criminals so they can face justice.”

Anyone with information about any suspect featured on London's Most Wanted should Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via the website.