A MAN wanted by police in connection with a serious assault is believed to be in the Gwent area.

Detectives with Dorset Police are investigating an allegation of a serious assault in St Leonards are searching for a 22-year-old man who is believed to be responsible. Charlie Casey is wanted on suspicion of committing the assault against a 24-year-old woman from Wales at Oakdene Forest Park on May 21, 2014.

Dorset Police had been alerted to the incident at 8.05pm that evening by the ambulance service. The victim sustained a non-life-threatening stab wound to her body and was taken to Poole Hospital.

Casey is described as white, six feet one inch tall and of average build. He has short dark brown hair and blue eyes and speaks with an Irish accent.

At the end of April Casey absconded from HMP Sudbury. Officers are advising members of the public that they should not approach if they see him.

Detective Sergeant Andy Bell, from Bournemouth CID, said: “Officers are searching for Charlie Casey and we are following positive lines of enquiry. We believe that he may have been in the Binfield and Slough area but has now moved on to Gwent .

“If members of the public see anyone matching the description, or anyone hiding or acting in a suspicious or unusual way, then I would urge them to call their local police straight away."

He added: “I would like to appeal directly to Charlie to make contact with the authorities as soon as possible. I would also like to make it clear that anyone found to be helping, harbouring or in any way aiding Charlie Casey will be arrested.”

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Charlie Casey should call local police on 101 or call 999 with any current sightings. The incident number for Dorset Police is 21:429.