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Last Updated: Monday, 20 August 2007, 06:32 GMT 07:32 UK
TV appeal over on-the-run rapist
Arsalan Osman Ali
Ali has been on the run from police since May 2004
A convicted rapist who has been on the run from police for more than three years will feature on BBC One's Crimewatch programme on Monday night.

Arsalan Osman Ali, 27, was granted bail during his trial over two rapes but on 10 May 2004 he failed to attend court.

In his absence he was convicted of the rapes, one in Dragonby, Scunthorpe, and one in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Humberside Police officers will appeal for information about where he is.

The force said Ali was one of its most wanted criminals.

Passport seized

Sgt Craig Scott said: "Since his disappearance, enquiries have been ongoing to trace him and put him in prison but to date he has managed to evade capture.

"It is possible that there are people somewhere in the country who know Ali or see him regularly and have no idea that he is a convicted rapist and wanted criminal.

"We hope they see this coverage and are compelled to ring the police."

Ali, whose passport was seized by police, was originally from Iraq. He was last known to live in Dale Street, Scunthorpe.

He is 5ft 10ins tall and has a tattoo on his left forearm which says 'Arsalan'.

Ali was convicted of raping a woman in Doncaster on 14 September 2003, and another woman in Scunthorpe five days later.


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