A former professional footballer who began his career with Charlton Athletic is being hunted by police after failing to appear in court on burglary charges.

Shaun Newton, 41, was arrested on May 15, 2016 and charged with burglary the next day.

He was bailed to appear at Kingston Crown Court on October 13, 2016, but failed to attend his court appearance.

Newton has links to Merton, Croydon, Lambeth and Newham.

Newton began his career in Charlton Athletic in 1993, before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers and then joining West Ham United in March 2005.

In March 2007 he joined Leicester City, before finishing his football career in 2008.

He is described as black, approximately 5ft 8ins and with an athletic build and black cropped hair.

Anyone with any information about his whereabouts should call Merton police on 101.