A RAPE suspect who failed to appear in court last week is being hunted by police.

Kostas Sampson, 20, from Enfield, was due to appear at Harrow Crown Court on Monday last week to stand trial for a rape he is alleged to have committed in February 2010.

But his family reported him missing in the early morning on the day of the trial, and police believe he has fled the area in a bid to avoid the court case.

His trial has been postponed until April 4 while police try to find him, and officers today issued a public appeal for information.

Anyone with information should call police on 0208 721 9100 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.