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Police continue appeal to trace wanted Harrogate man

North Yorkshire Police are renewing their appeal to trace wanted man Clifford Church, 68, from Harrogate.

Church is wanted for breaching probation conditions and in connection with a rape investigation following the reported rape of a woman in Harrogate on 7 August.

Officers believe he is now in Leeds and travelling on buses and trains, and they are urging transport staff and passengers to report any sightings. He also has connections to York, Durham and the Cleveland area.

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CCTV of Clifford Church. Photograph: North Yorkshire Polce
CCTV of Clifford Church. Photograph: North Yorkshire Polce

Church is described as having several distinctive tattoos. These include:

  • A dot on his left cheek and a half-inch line up to his eyebrow
  • On his left arm: “NUFC” and “Newcastle United”, “UB40”, a love heart, a cross near his wrist, and dotted lines across his wrist
  • On his right arm: a ship, and a web across his wrist

He was last seen carrying a rucksack and wearing a black jacket, blue jeans and black trainers.

Extensive enquiries are continuing, and officers are appealing to anyone who has seen Church, or who knows where he is now, to contact them as a matter of urgency.

Police are also warning that harbouring a wanted man is a criminal offence and could lead to prosecution.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:

“If you see him, or have any information about his current whereabouts, please call North Yorkshire Police immediately on 999. Other information can be passed on by calling 101.

“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website. Did you know that Crimestoppers may also pay a reward in certain circumstances.

“Please quote reference 12250147354 when passing on information.”