POLICE swooped on a derelict pub yesterday after an Argus reader said he spotted suspected rapist Micam Williams (pictured) hiding there.

The reader gave police a good description of Williams - who has been on the run for 18 days - and a team of officers were sent to the King Hotel, Somerton Road, Newport.

Detectives want to question the 32-year-old from Newport after a 15-year-old girl said she was abducted from a street in Cardiff on September 28.

She said she was taken to a flat in Edison Road, Malpas, and subjected to a 16-hour ordeal where she was repeatedly raped.

Gwent Police searched the derelict pub and the surrounding area yesterday, but did not find Williams.

The Argus reader, who did not want to be named, called police after he saw Williams' picture on our front page yesterday.

He said: "I saw him last Sunday, hanging around The King. He came from round the back wearing a hooded top, and sat in a car for a few minutes with a woman. Then he walked off."

Police are convinced Williams is being shielded and have urged the public to call with any sightings.

He has been described as a potential danger to women. Officers have spoken to Williams on the phone but he has refused to give himself up.

The alleged victim told police she was bundled into the back seat of a black Rover in Janet Street, Splott, Cardiff, before being taken to Newport. A South Wales police spokeswoman said: "We are urging anyone who may be harbouring Williams or is aware of his whereabouts to contact us."

Williams is described as Afro Caribbean, of medium build, 5ft 11in tall, with short hair and a goatee beard.

Officers have recovered a black Rover car belonging to Williams in Malpas.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact DS Thomas at Cardiff CID on 02920 527420, or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.