POLICE were this week searching for a Minehead man who failed to appear in court to face charges of robbery and possessing an imitation firearm.

Karl Cooper, 22, who has connections to Minehead and Washford, was due to appear before Taunton Crown Court on Tuesday December 11.

The two alleged offences took place in Minehead in May last year.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said anyone who knew Cooper’s whereabouts should call 999 quoting reference number 5217106421.

Any other information that could help trace him, can be given online, quoting the same reference number.

Alternatively, call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.