Manhunt launched after ABH suspect skips bail

Officers are searching for 47-year-old Simon Bracken who has failed to comply with bail conditions.

Bracken, formerly of Hurst Green but now of West Cornforth, Ferryhill, County Durham, was arrested on suspicion of assault occasioning actual bodily harm (ABH).

He was arrested in County Durham back in March and was later charged.

He appeared at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on August 12 where he was bailed to appear for trial at Eastbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 29.

But Bracken has failed to comply with the conditions of his bail and is now wanted by police.

He also goes under the name Bert or sometimes Bertram Bloomfield.

Bracken is described as white, 5’ 11”, of medium build with a scar on his upper lip.

He has a skull and eye symbol tattoo on his right arm and a bird of prey tattoo on his chest.

Bracken has greying hair and beard.

Anyone who knows of Bracken’s whereabouts is asked to email [email protected] or call Sussex Police on 101, quoting serial 1351 of 17/07/13.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who sees Simon Bracken is urged to dial 999 immediately.

While police do not believe Simon Bracken to be a danger to the public, the Force suggest that members of the public do not approach him to avoiding alerting him.