Urgent manhunt for convicted rapist, 58, who is ‘actively evading’ police as public warned ‘do not approach’

AN URGENT manhunt has been launched to find a convicted rapist who is "actively evading officers".

Police have warned the public "do not approach" sex offender David Doherty, 58, and to call 999 instead.

Cops are on the hunt for Doherty after he twice breached his Sex Offender Notification Requirements.

He is also wanted in connection to a report of making threats to kill.

He was convicted of rape in 2014, and earlier of attempted rape and indecent assault in 2000.

As a result, he was placed on the sex offenders’ register for life.

But he has failed to register his address, something that is regularly required.

The force said Doherty "knows he is wanted and we believe he is actively evading officers".

The convicted rapist is described as around 6ft 4ins tall, with greying light brown short hair.

Cops believe Doherty is in the Scawthorpe or Balby areas of Doncaster.

He also has links to Grimsby.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson 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.