Members of the public have been warned not to approach a man charged with attempted rape - as a fresh appeal is made to locate the 29-year-old who fled from court.

Christopher Adjei, of Riversdale Road, Ramsgate, was last seen at the court at 3pm on Monday.

He was charged with attempted rape on July 31 in relation to an incident in Canterbury in the early hours of June 14.

He had been bailed to appear at court on Monday.

But, while his case was being heard on Monday, Adjei fled Canterbury Crown Court, and a warrant was issued by the court for his arrest.

Now he is thought to be somewhere in the Thanet area.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Jon Holl of Kent Police said: "My team of detectives have been carrying out a number of enquiries since Adjei left Canterbury Crown Court on Monday afternoon.

"We have reason to believe he could have returned to Thanet, possibly in the Ramsgate area.

"I would urge anyone who might have information as to his whereabouts, or who might come across him in Thanet, to contact police as soon as possible."

Adjei is described as a stocky black man, with dark hair.

Members of the public who see Adjei are not advised to approach him but to contact Kent Police on 01227 868032 quoting incident 18-993, or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.