Urgent manhunt for dangerous rapist as police warn ‘do not approach’

Police are hunting a convicted rapist after failing to register at his address as the public have been warned not to approach him. Officers says he is ‘actively evading’ them.

David Doherty, 58, from Doncaster, is wanted for two breaches of Sex Offender Notification Requirements, and in connection to a report of making threats to kill.

In 2000, he was convicted of attempted rape and indecent assault. In 2014, Doherty was convicted of rape.

Upon his release from prison he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

As part of the terms of the register, police say Doherty is required to regularly register his address with officers. But he has recently failed to register his address as required.

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “We want to hear from anyone who has seen or spoken to Doherty recently, or knows where he might be staying. He knows he is wanted and we believe he is actively evading officers.”

Doherty is described as a white man, of slim build, 6ft 4ins tall, and with greying light brown short hair.

Officers believe Doherty is in the Scawthorpe or Balby areas of Doncaster, however, he also has links to Grimsby.

The force added: “If you see Doherty, please do not approach him, but instead call 999. If you have any other information about where he might be, you can contact us via our online live chat, our online portal or by calling 101.

“Please quote investigation number 14/204158/24 when you get in touch.”

You can access the police online portal here.

Alternatively, people can stay anonymous and pass on what they know by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Their UK Contact Centre can be called on freephone 0800 555 111 or an anonymous online form can be filled in at Crimestoppers-uk.org.