Greater Manchester Police hunting child rapist who fled court moments before being found guilty

Tariq Javed was convicted of eight counts of sexual activity with a child after he absconded from a Manchester court

Police say Javed may be a flight risk (Greater Manchester Police)

Police are searching for a child rapist who absconded from court while jurors discussed their verdict.

Tariq Javed, from Rusholme, Manchester, was on conditional bail when he disappeared from Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court on Monday 29 February.

In his absence, the 37-year-old was found guilty of eight counts of sexual activity with a child under the age of 13.

A spokeswoman for Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunal Service said: "He was on conditional bail since 2014 and then, on the day, the judge gave him conditional bail within the confines of the court buildings.

"He then left the building and the jury returned and found him guilty in his absence.

"A warrant was issued for his arrest. He was not in custody and not the responsibility of court staff."

Greater Manchester Police have warned that Javed could try to leave the UK, and have warned that anyone attempting to assist Javed could face arrest.

Detective Inspector Ian Cottrell said: "Javed has been convicted of incredibly serious offences committed against children.

"He is thought to be a flight risk and warnings have been put in place at ports and airports to ensure he does not escape the country, but faces punishment for his atrocious crimes.

"I would like to make very clear that anyone found to be sheltering Javed will face arrest and prosecution."