POLICE are continuing the hunt for a convicted rapist.

North Yorkshire Police say officers are continuing the hunt for convicted rapist Jason Vincent Longhurst of Lindsey Avenue, York.

Earlier this month Longhurst was found guilty of the rape and strangulation of a teenage girl over ten years ago. He was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment and placed on the sex offenders register indefinitely.

However, the 44-year-old failed to attend York Crown Court and was sentenced in his absence. At the same time the court issued a warrant for his arrest.

Since then, officers have continued to search for Longhurst, making numerous enquiries to locate him. Sadly, despite their efforts and a public wanted appeal he remains outstanding.

Detective Inspector Warren Peters of York Investigation Hub said: “Despite our extensive enquiries Longhurst currently remains outstanding. We will continue the search for him but I would also ask the public to continue to keep an eye out for Longhurst and to remain vigilant for any sightings of him.

“We know Longhurst sometimes uses the name Jason Welsh and that he has connections to the Cardiff area. Our colleagues at South Wales Police have been assisting us with our enquiries and supporting our wanted appeal, but there is the possibility that Longhurst could now be anywhere in country. So, we are widening our appeal and requesting the public’s continued support with our search.

“If you see Longhurst please report any immediate sightings to North Yorkshire Police via 999 quoting reference 12210196408. If you have any other information which would assist our enquiries please dial 101 and pass that information on to our Force Control Room. If you would prefer to remain anonymous Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.”