Manhunt Underway For Escaped Paedophile Who Fled Court As Jury Deliberated

A convicted paedophile is on the run after bolting from court while the jury deliberated over his guilt.

Tariq Javed, 37, (above) was on trial for eight counts of sexual activity with a child under 13.

He was found guilty of all counts in a verdict delivered after he disappeared on February 29.

He was being tried at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, and despite his disappearance a sentencing date has been set for March 21.

Police think Javed may try to flee the country and have posted warnings at airports and ports.

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.’

Javed is thought to have links in the Manchester and Stockport areas. Anyone with information of his whereabouts should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Image credit: PA