The Romanian community across Britain has been asked to help track down an on-the-run sex attack suspect.

Cleveland Police have released a photograph of 26-year-old Cezar Florea to a number of Romanian publications – after the attempted rape of a 51-year-old woman in North Ormesby in June.

Mr Florea is of Romanian origin and is believed to have links to the Stockton, Middlesbrough and London areas.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “The search for Cezar Florea is ongoing and detectives have appealed to the Romanian community throughout the UK to help the investigation and have distributed his photo across publications targeting the community.

“Detectives have praised the Romanian community for their help so far.”

Members of the public are asked not to approach Mr Florea but call 999 if they see him.

Reports on social media in June suggested he had been arrested in Middlesbrough, but police later confirmed he was still on the run.

The initial image of Mr Florea, released along with his name weeks ago, reached more than 50,000 people, police said.

Detectives have been “working through” information received since his name was released.

Detective Inspector Mark Dimelow said: “Officers are working through any information that comes in and we are asking the public to keep their eyes peeled for him.

“The photograph issued is taken from social media and we know that it was taken just a few months ago. Anyone with information on where he may be is asked to contact police as a matter of urgency.”

Cleveland Police engage with Romanian residents as hunt continues for sex attack suspect