Urgent manhunt for rape suspect, 59, on the run for nearly a month as cops issue plea

COPS are urgently hunting for a 59-year-old Gloucester man wanted on four counts of raping a woman after he fled last month.

Vernon Steele, who has no fixed abode, was on bail after he had been charged for the horrific attack last year.

But Steele did not appear at court last month when he was supposed to.

He was due to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on 22 November for a hearing in connection with the charges, however he did not attend and a judge issued a warrant for his arrest.

Steele is described as being 5ft 6ins in height, of a large build and has short, dark brown receding hair with a greying beard.

He has tattoos on both of his arms.

Steele has links to Tewkesbury, Berkeley, Gloucester, Worcester and Bromsgrove.

Gloucester cops have issued a picture of him to help the public identify him.

Gloucestershire cops say: “If you see Steele or have any information on his whereabouts you can provide information to police online by completing the following form referencing incident number 311 of 16 December or call 999 if seen at the time.

“Information can also be submitted by calling police on 101, or you can provide information anonymously by contacting the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.”