POLICE have made a fresh appeal for information about a man who is believed to have falsely collected for charity from dozens of shops.

Nicholas Slocombe, 28, was arrested in April on suspicion of more than 30 allegations of fraud by false representation across Shropshire and Herefordshire.

He was interviewed and released on police bail pending further enquiries but failed to answer his bail in May.

A warrant has now been issued for his arrest.

West Mercia Police believe Mr Slocombe is travelling around the country and has recently been in the Newtown area of Powys and in Lincolnshire.

He is believed to use other names including Owen Roswell and Arron Renfry.

PC Steve Perry is heading up the investigation in conjunction with Cheshire and Staffordshire Police forces, where similar incidents have also taken place.

He said: “We had reports from a large number of shops and businesses across Shropshire and Herefordshire in the early part of this year, saying they had been visited by a man claiming to be either collecting for or gathering sponsorship for a run in aid of a leukaemia charity.

“Mr Slocombe was arrested on suspicion of these offences and has since failed to answer police bail.

“We received information from Lincolnshire Police that similar incidents have reportedly taken place in the Bailgate area of Lincoln, only this time the person asking for money claims it is for injured troops in Afghanistan.

“Police also want to speak to Mr Slocombe in connection with these incidents and I urge anyone who might knows of his whereabouts or who recognises his photograph to please contact West Mercia Police.”

PC Perry urged shopkeepers approached by persons asking for sponsorship or donations to make thorough checks before handing over any money.

Anyone with information can call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.