POLICE are again appealing to the public for their help in tracing a man they want to speak to in connection with the rape of a 16-year-old girl in Hartlepool.

Cleveland Police said: "Heman Mohammed Tahir, 24, is believed to have left the Cleveland area and travelled to London but his whereabouts are unknown.

"The incident is reported to have happened overnight on Tuesday 26th September into Wednesday 27th September at The Windmill in Dalton Piercy, Hartlepool.

"Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts or anyone who may have seen him is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org."