A FUGITIVE who went to ground in Ireland after he was accused of child abuse may be back in the North-East.

Police have confirmed there has been possible sighting of Michael Stephen Rowley on Teesside.

He is accused of indecently assaulting a young girl but went on the run rather than face the charges at Teesside Crown Court.

Staff at a garage in Great Ayton thought they recognised a man filling up a white van on Thursday at 5.20pm.

A warrant is out for his arrest and Cleveland Police appealed for help to find him.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Chris Marchant on (01642) 302641 or (01642) 302626.