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Sept
Harrogate rape suspect could be sleeping on streets in Leeds, say police
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Police believe a wanted Harrogate man could be sleeping on the streets in Leeds.
North Yorkshire Police has been trying to locate Clifford Church since last month following the reported rape of a woman in Harrogate on August 7.
In a renewed appeal, the force believes the 62-year-old suspect is in Leeds and could be sleeping on the streets.
Officers believe people using the city’s bus station, the city’s Kirkgate Market, and the homeless population in the city centre may have encountered Church, who has distinctive tattoos.
Church has a number of tattoos, including a dot on his left check and a half-inch line to his eyebrow, police said.
Have you seen Clifford Church?
He has “NUFC”, “Newcastle United”, "UB40", a love heart, a cross near his wrist and dotted lines on wrist tattooed on his left arm.
Police added he has tattoos of a ship and web across his right arm.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Wilkinson said:
Clifford Church is wanted by police over a very serious sexual offence against a woman which happened last month, so we need people to do the right things and tell us if they see him.
We have new information that suggests Church is sleeping on the streets of Leeds, and may be spending time around the bus station and city market area.
Maybe you’ve been in those areas when you gone shopping in Leeds, you work in that part of the city or you spend a lot of time in that area. If so, you may have seen him or have information that could help us and the victim.
A force statement added:
As well as links to Leeds, he has connections in York, Durham and Cleveland and often travels by train. If you see him, or have any information about his current whereabouts, please call 999.
Other information can be passed on by calling 101 (please ask for North Yorkshire Police if you are calling from a different force area). If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website. Crimestoppers may pay a reward in certain circumstances.
Please quote reference 12250147354 when passing on information.
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