Urgent hunt for convicted rapist and police warn 'do not approach'

Police are urgently searching for a convicted rapist who is 'actively evading' officers. 

The public have been warned not to approach David Doherty, 58, from Doncaster, and call 999 instead. 

He is wanted for two breaches of Sex Offender Notification Requirements and in connection to a report of making threats to kill.

Doherty was jailed for rape in 2014 and he was also convicted of attempted rape and indecent assault in 2000. 

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

As part of the terms of the register, Doherty is required to regularly register his address with police but he has recently failed to do so. 

South Yorkshire Police have appealed to anyone who has heard from Doherty as they believe he is 'actively evading officers'.

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

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

A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: '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, Doherty was convicted of attempted rape and indecent assault, and in 2014 he 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, Doherty is required to regularly register his address with police.

'He has recently failed to register his address as required.

'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.

'He 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.

'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.

'Alternatively, if you prefer not to give your personal details, you can stay anonymous and pass on what you know by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers.

'Call their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.'