DEVON and Cornwall Police are appealing for the public's help to trace a wanted man with links to the Hatherleigh area.

Ricky Bending, 40, from Okehampton, is wanted in connection with allegations of using violence to secure entry, intentional strangulation and criminal damage.

Devon and Cornwall Police say Bending has links to both Okehampton and Hatherleigh – and officers are urging anyone who may have seen him or knows where he is to come forward.

He is described as a white male, around 5ft 7in tall, of a proportionate build, with short brown hair. He has previously been known to have a medium-length beard and speaks with a Westcountry accent.

Enquiries to locate Bending are ongoing, but officers are now asking members of the public to help assist with the search.

Police have stressed that anyone who sees Bending should not approach him.

Instead, anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call 999 immediately, quoting reference 50260165550.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Devon and Cornwall Police as soon as possible.