Police are searching for a County Durham man wanted in connection with an alleged rape.
Matthew James Ford, 39, who is from the Wingate area, has been wanted by police for almost a year following the report of rape made in Washington.
He was first circulated as wanted on New Year’s Eve last year and enquiries to locate him have been ongoing ever since.
But Ford is believed to be purposely avoiding police and now officers are asking for help from the public.
Police say they do not believe he is any risk to the wider public but they want to bring him into custody before Christmas.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "Anyone who knows where Ford may be, or has information that may help locate him, is asked to report it through the Northumbria Police website.
"You can also report it by calling 101 or by calling independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
