A MAN who police say has links to Chard is wanted in connection with an alleged rape in Beaminster.

Keith Charles Starling, 54, is wanted on suspicion of rape after an incident between 1993 and 2000 in which Starling allegedly raped an unconscious woman.

Detectives investigating the incident describe Starling as white, 5ft 8in tall and of medium build.

He has grey, straight hair and a tattoo of an eagle on his left upper arm.

DC Sarah Iveson, of Weymouth CID, said: “We do not know exactly when the incident took place – however we have undated footage that suggests the incident occurred between 1993 and 2000.

“After following various lines of enquiry, the victim, a 47-year-old woman from an area near Chard in Somerset, has now given her permission for us to issue Starling’s details.

“I am pleased to be in a position to release an image of Starling and I would encourage anyone who has any information regarding his whereabouts to contact Dorset Police in confidence.

“He is believed to have links with Fife in Scotland, Chard and the equestrian community.

“I am also appealing directly to Keith to make contact with the authorities as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Keith Starling should call their local police force on 101 or call 999 with any current sightings.

The crime number you should use for Dorset Police is C:13:D:6132.