THE international manhunt for a herbalist who fled to China after being charged with sexual assault took another turn last night when a second alleged victim came forward.

Dr Gu Zu Sun, who used to work at the Dr and Herbs treatment centre in Darlington's Cornmill shopping centre, was charged with sexual assault on a man last year.

He denied the charge but failed to appear at South Durham Magistrates' Court last week and a warrant for his arrest was issued.

Police are appealing for help in tracing Dr Sun, who is believed to have fled the country.

The Northern Echo understands they have been contacted by other men following news of his disappearance.

One man came forward last night to claim he had been assaulted last August.

The 51-year-old, who asked not to be named, recalled how he had gone to Dr Sun for acupuncture and massage to help deal with post traumatic stress.

"I was due to go to hospital for my condition and was desperate, so I went to Dr Sun for treatment," he said.

"I went there three times, but he never really explained what he was doing. He told me to get fully undressed, which I wasn't sure about.

"The second time I went it seemed strange, but I thought maybe that's what happens in Chinese treatment, or maybe he's checking for cancer.

"But on the third time I pulled away in horror. He did not say anything, not even when I left.

"The incident really knocked me back, it knocked my confidence, and I kept getting flashbacks. Even now I'm having medical treatment."

Although the man claims the incident happened in August, he did not go to police until January.

"I was really shocked by it, and tried to brush it off, but I thought about other people."

A warrant has been issued for Dr Sun's arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Police on 0845 606 0365.