POLICE are hunting for a man accused of rape who is said to have gone missing and breached the conditions of his bail.

Halwest Muradi has been charged with rape, attempted rape and sexual assault after a woman in her twenties was attacked in St Botolph's Church Walk, Colchester, in November.

Following an appearance at Colchester Magistrates' Court last month, Muradi was bailed until a hearing at Ipswich Crown Court in a fortnight.

Part of his bail conditions imposed was the he was to remain at his home address in Victoria Gardens, Colchester, between certain times.

Police believe he has breached that curfew and urgently need to find him.

Muradi is 24 and of Iranian descent.

He is 5ft 7ins tall and of medium build. He has short, dark straight hair.

Senior investigating officer, Det Chief Insp Stuart Truss urged anyone with information to call police as soon as possible.

He said: “It’s of the utmost importance that we find Halwest Muradi and speak to him about this alleged breach.

"Anyone who has seen him is asked to call us immediately.

“We believe he may have links to Kent and Swansea, but he could still be in the county and we would urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to reach out to us.

“You can call the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate on 101 and quote Operation Oslo, email us on scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk, or speak to Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their website.”