POLICE IN NORTHERN IRELAND have issued an appeal for information on the whereabouts of a convicted rapist who failed to attend a court hearing earlier this week and has not been seen since.

Edward Connors, who was convicted of rape and imprisoned in 2009, was due to appear at Belfast Crown Court on Monday in connection with a violation of the conditions of a Custody Probation Order.

Connors failed to attend court, however, and has not been seen since – and a warrant has now been issued for his arrest.

Police said they had taken the decision to release a photograph of the missing man “following a legal and investigative analysis of the situation and the need to extend our enquiries”.

Connors is described as being 5’5″ tall, of thin build with short brown curly hair. He has green eyes and slightly tanned skin.

When last seek he was wearing a light blue shirt, blue jeans and black shoes.

Anyone who may have seen him is asked to contact the PSNI. Police have also appealed to Connors himself to hand himself into the nearest police station or to call them immediately at 0845 600 8000.