Detectives are appealing for help in tracing an alleged rapist who may have returned to West Yorkshire.

Officers have revealed they want to speak to 45-year-old Mahboob Bostan, who was charged with three counts of rape, in Batley and Bradford in 1998 but fled the country whilst on bail and evaded being brought to trial.

Det Supt Mark Ridley, of the West Yorkshire Homicide and Major Enquiries Team, said: “We have received information Bostan may be back in West Yorkshire and have been making enquiries to locate him.

“Clearly these are extremely serious crimes and it is important Bostan is found and put before the courts to be tried by a jury.

“I would like to hear from anyone who may have information about Bostan’s whereabouts in the Batley area or elsewhere in West Yorkshire.

He added: “Anyone who sees Bostan or has information should contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101, extension 26807 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.”