Police are appealing for information to trace a man found guilty for his involvement in a stabbing after he failed to appear in court.

Ryan Kiely, of Clutton Street, Poplar, was charged with grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, for his part in an attack, on March 7, that left a 22-year-old man with stab wounds on the A12 near the Gants Hill roundabout, in Redbridge.

Kiely, 19, was due to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday but failed to show up and was found guilty in his absence, and an arrest warrant was issued for his arrest.

Det Con Emily Lloyd, of the met’s trident east reactive team, warned the public not to approach Kiely, who is described as white, 6ft tall and slim with short ginger hair - he has known links to Tower Hamlets.

The court heard how Kiely, along with 24-year-old Jose Sanha, of Jubilee Street, Stepney, stabbed the victim when he stopped at traffic lights on the A12 during a driving lesson.

One of the men smashed the car window whilst the other lent in and stabbed the victim in the thigh three times.

Sanha is currently in custody awaiting sentencing after being convicted of GBH with intent.

Anyone with any information as to Kiely’s whereabouts have been urged to call 999 or to call police on 101 or through Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.