Police have warned the public not to approach a man wanted in connection with a serious sexual assault who has links in Skipton.

Detectives have taken the unusual step of naming David Laing Taylor, 47, of Reginald View, Chapeltown, Leeds, who was last seen in Keighley and is known to have connections in the Skipton area.

A 23-year-old woman was attacked near to the canal towpath close to Viaduct Road, Armley, Leeds, at around 8pm on Monday.

Mr Taylor was seen at around 9pm on Tuesday at Keighley Bus Station, police said. He is described as white, around 5ft 8in to 5ft 10in tall, with very short cropped dark, greying hair and tattoos on his arms.

He was last known to have been wearing a white Nike T-shirt with a blue or grey band across the chest, light faded blue jeans and white Reebok trainers.

Mr Taylor is known to have connections to Teesside as well as Skipton.

Det Chief Insp Simon Beldon, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (H-MET), said: “I would ask that members of the public who see Mr Taylor do not approach him, but contact police immediately on 0845 6060606.”

Det Chief Insp Beldon said: “The area is popular with joggers, walkers and dog walkers, and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and has not yet spoken to officers to come forward because you may have vital information which can assist enquiries.”

Anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Mr Taylor, or was on the towpath between 7pm and 8.30pm on Monday, should contact West Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060606.