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Updated appeal as search for Harrogate rape suspect continues

Wednesday, 13 August 2025 12:00

Wanted: 62-year-old Clifford Ian Church.

Police have updated their appeal for help to locate a man in connection with a Harrogate rape investigation.

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

He has a number of tattoos including a dot on his left cheek and a half inch line to his eyebrow.

On his left arm he has ‘NUFC’ and Newcastle United, UB40, a love heart, a cross near his wrist and dotted lines across his left wrist.

On his right arm he has a ship and web across his right wrist.

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

He has connections to York, Leeds, Durham and the Cleveland area and could have travelled to any of these areas.

A police spokesperson said:

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

“It is possible that Church has used public transport to travel outside of Harrogate and we’re appealing to passengers and operators of buses, taxis and trains to contact us if they have seen him since Thursday.

“Officers are also warning anyone who may be harbouring him that are committing a criminal offence and may face prosecution.”

If you see him, or have any information about his current whereabouts, 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.

Please quote reference 12250147354 when passing on information.

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