THIS is the mystery conman, dubbed by police "Mr Cool", who is ripping off gays in Brighton to the tune of tens of thousands of pounds.

Detectives today took the unusual step of releasing his photograph in the hope of tracking him down and to warn the gay community.

He befriends homosexuals, moves in with them, then assumes their identities to empty bank accounts and obtain loans.

One victim he met at a club was looking after a house for a male couple who were on holiday in Australia.

Mr Cool, so named because he is "relaxed and well dressed", moved in before withdrawing cash from all three men's accounts, selling thousands of pounds of their Premium Bonds and shares, and using their credit cards.

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He ran up a £15,000 bill at just one department store in Brighton.

His total haul is put at more than £50,000.

Mr Cool later wrote to the three men, all professional people in their thirties, saying he was aware police were on his trail and apologising: "I'm now a fugitive ... I'm really sorry about it."

One victim told the Argus: "This man must be caught. We have been totally devastated by this experience, we feel violated and abused and it is horrible to think he could be doing this to someone else."

Det Con Glen Taylor, heading the inquiry, said: "We are concerned others have been duped by this man."

Mr Cool, who sometimes uses the name Steve, is 27, 5ft 8in and of heavy build. He has scars on both knees from surgery and wears a silver wrist band.

Anyone with information should contact DC Taylor at Brighton police on 01273 606744.

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