A wanted man who went on the run after failing to appear in court on charges of rape has been arrested, police said today.

Wanted man Gintaras Grigonis was arrested in the Manchester area on September 13, Essex Police said.

A police hunt was launched for him after he failed to attend Basildon Crown Court on March 27 last year to hear charges of rape brought against him.

The 43-year-old Aveley man was taken to attend Basildon Crown Court to face his charges on September 14.