POLICE are trying to trace a former teacher charged with sex offences, who is wanted for failing to appear at court.

Cory Baptiste, 24, previously of Fanns Rise, Purfleet, has been charged with five offences of abuse of a position of trust: one of causing or inciting sexual activity with a boy aged 13-17, one of causing or inciting sexual activity with a girl aged 13-17, one of causing a child under 13 to watch a sexual act and two of causing a child aged 13-17 to watch a sexual act.

He failed to turn up for a hearing at Basildon Crown Court.

Prior to his arrest in January, he was working as a teacher at the Ockendon Academy.

Essex Police launched an investigation following a referral from the National Crime Agency.

Baptiste is alleged to have been using fake social media accounts including Facebook and Snapchat in the names of Daniel Jenkins, Danielle Mason and Dan Bounce Genny to commit the offences.

He also has links to an address in Appletree Way, Wickford, as well as being known to frequent Purfleet, Wickford and Dorset.

He is believed to have been working as an estate agent following his arrest. Officers have received information that he may be trying to travel to France.

Baptiste is described as white, of medium build, has brown hair with a receding hairline, is usually clean shaven, has blue eyes and is about 5ft 10ins tall.

Anybody who knows where he is should call the Police Online Offences Investigation Team at Tilbury on Essex Police 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.