POLICE have renewed an appeal for help to trace a Forest of Dean man who is wanted after failing to appear at court.

Officers are continuing efforts to locate Benjamin Clarke, 40, from Newnham, and are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.

Clarke is wanted on a warrant after failing to appear at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, July 14. Police said he had also failed to attend appointments with both Gloucestershire Constabulary and the Probation Service.

Despite carrying out a number of enquiries, officers have so far been unable to find him and are now seeking the public's help.

The appeal has also been shared by Evesham Police after Clarke was recently reported to have been seen in Broadway, Worcestershire, leading officers from both counties to ask people to remain vigilant.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “Officers have pursued a number of lines of enquiry to find Clarke, but have been unable to locate him, and are now asking for information from the public.”

Police said Clarke is believed to have links to the Newnham area of the Forest of Dean. He is described as being 6ft 2ins tall, of medium build, with long brown hair and a beard.

Members of the public are being reminded not to approach Clarke if they believe they have seen him.

Instead, anyone who spots him is asked to dial 999 immediately so officers can respond.

Those with information about where Clarke may be staying, or who have seen him recently, are also encouraged to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary by calling the non-emergency 101 number or by submitting information through the force's website.

Police hope the renewed appeal, together with the wider circulation of his details across Gloucestershire and neighbouring Worcestershire, will help officers locate Clarke and bring him before the court.