POLICE offering a �10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man who has been on the run for more than nine years believe he may have recently been in Fenland.

James Doe, 37, was charged in March 2001 for a high-value burglary in Droitwich, Worcestershire, and was given court bail. However, he failed to appear for his next court hearing and has not been seen since.

West Mercia police believe he may be, or may have recently been, in the Wisbech and Peterborough areas. Posters will be circulated around the Wisbech area as part of the appeal.

Det Chief Insp Gary Watson, of West Mercia Police, said: “We have been attempting to trace James Doe for many years and as time goes on our determination to put him before the court only increases.

“The burglary he has been charged with saw a break-in occur in a house that was occupied and many expensive antiques stolen, which were worth more than �30,000.

“We have reason to believe he could be in the Cambridgeshire area or has been staying there recently. We are offering a substantial reward for any information that leads to his arrest.”

The poster has two photographs of Doe. One is from 2001 and the other is more recent, although it is not very clear. Det Chief Insp Watson said: “It does give a good idea of how he has aged.”

He added: “If you have seen James Doe or can help us in any way, please contact us via a dedicated number for this investigation, 07854 127319.

“Information can be passed via the West Mercia Police number, 0300 333 3000, or anonymously via the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.”