POLICE believe a man who has been on the run for 16 years after being charged with rapes in Bradford and Batley may have returned to the area.
Mahboob Bostan, 45, is wanted in connection with a sexual assault in Bradford in July 1997 and serious sexual assaults in Batley in January 1997 and February 1998.
West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiries Team is now appealing for information as to Bostan's whereabouts.
In 1998 he was charged with rape for the three offences and appeared before magistrates.
He was bailed from court but then fled the country before he could be brought to trial.
Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley of the Homicide and Major Enquiries Team said: "We have received information Bostan may be back in West Yorkshire and have been making enquires to locate him.
"Clearly these are extremely serious crimes and it is important Bostan is found and put before the courts to be tried by a jury.
"I would like to hear from anyone who may have information about Bostan's whereabouts in the Batley area or elsewhere in West Yorkshire.
"Anyone who sees Bostan or has information should contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101, extension 26807 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555111."
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