Search for man wanted on rape charges

Police have asked for the public's help to find a man accused of rape who did not appear in court last month.

Vernon Steele, 59, of no fixed address, was released on court bail after being charged with four counts of a raping a woman last year, said Gloucestershire Police.

Officers released a picture of Mr Steele, who did not attend the hearing in connection with the charges on 22 November.

He is described as 5ft 6ins tall, of large build, and has several tattoos on both of his arms. He has links to Tewkesbury, Berkeley, Gloucester, Worcester and Bromsgrove.

Mr Steele also has short, dark brown receding hair and a greying beard.

A judge issued a warrant for his arrest after he did not attend the hearing at Gloucester Crown Court.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts was asked to contact Gloucestershire Police or call 999 if "seen at the time".

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