TV rape appeal 'yields new calls' over busker suspect

Mr Fleet has links to several places in England and Wales

Detectives investigating the rape of a teenager say they are following up a number of calls about the whereabouts of a suspect.

West Mercia Police have said they want to trace Thomas Anthony Fleet, 22, a busker, who is thought to be living rough in southern England.

Officers want to speak to him about the rape which happened in a Shropshire village last October.

An appeal to locate him was made on the BBC's Crimewatch show on Wednesday.

Det Insp Sarah Wagstaff, from West Mercia Police, said there had been a positive response.

'Cover story'

Police say Mr Fleet has links to Wiltshire, London, Surrey, Dorset, Cornwall, Avon and Somerset, Devon, and south Wales.

He went missing from his home in north Shropshire earlier this year, the spokesman added.

Ms Wagstaff said: "We have had quite a few calls overnight and I would like to thank those people for getting in touch.

"As a result of information received, police are now following up a number of new and positive lines of enquiry to trace Mr Fleet.

"If anyone else recognises Mr Fleet, who is believed to be living rough and travelling around the country, particularly the south, please could they contact police or Crimestoppers."

Officers believe Mr Fleet, known as Tom or Ant, is using a cover story that he is hiding from police over a burglary.

He is described as white, 5ft 4ins tall with straight brown hair.

Police said he could also now have a beard which may be shaped into a goatee style.

It is thought he may also be carrying a distinctive Peter Storm 75-litre green and black rucksack.