A RAPE suspect is now believed to be in Israel and police say they have enough evidence to extradite him.

Eric Coates, from Huby, near Easingwold, North Yorkshire, disappeared in November 2002.

Police had turned up at his home to arrest him but he was on a business trip to the former Yugoslavia.

The 50-year-old is wanted in connection with allegations of rape and indecent assault made by five women, dating back to 1978.

He has never returned to the UK.

Detectives believe he is now in Israel and say inquiries are being carried out to get him back to this country.

"We have gathered enough evidence to secure his extradition," said Detective Constable Ken Proctor.

"As soon as he comes back to this country, he will be questioned about these offences."

In 2002, Coates, who worked at a poultry factory near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, was arrested by police and questioned about the still-unsolved murder of Middlesbrough prostitute Vicky Glass, who was found dead in Danby, on the North York Moors, five years ago.

He was released without charge.

In 2003 Coates' brother Nigel Coates, from Acomb, York, was jailed for 13 years after being found guilty of forcing two women to have sex with his father, former county councillor Raymond Coates.

The latter also faced serious sex allegations but was deemed too ill to stand trial.