A CASH reward has been offered for information that helps trace a man wanted by police investigating a rape.

Officers have issued a fresh appeal for help to find Karl Wishart, 39, whose last known address was Colwyne Place, in Blakelaw, Newcastle.

After being questioned following the report of a rape in 2016, he failed to answer bail in April of that year.

Northumbria Police launched an appeal to try to locate him, but repeated attempts to find him have been unsuccessful.

Anyone who provides information that leads to his arrest and charge could receive a reward of up to £1,000.

The reward has been offered by the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Young, of Northumbria Police’s safeguarding department, said: “We have made extensive enquiries in a bid to trace Karl Wishart but unfortunately these have so far been unsuccessful.

“We are asking members of the community who may know his whereabouts or who have recently seen him to come forward. Someone out there will know something – and it may be up until this point you were unaware he was wanted by police.

“I would also appeal directly to him – if you are reading this, do the right thing and come forward to police.”

Information passed directly to police will not qualify. The reward will only qualify if information, which can be given anonymously, is passed to Crimestoppers by calling 0800-555111 or via an online form at crimestoppers-uk.org