SYDNEY — Australian police are searching for Home and Away star Orpheus Pledger, after a warrant was issued for his arrest on Wednesday.

The actor is facing four charges for allegedly assaulting a woman, authorities say.

He had been granted bail on Monday for a court-ordered hospital assessment.

Pledger was ordered to return to a Melbourne court on Tuesday, but never showed up, prompting both a media frenzy and a manhunt.

Victoria Police have launched a public appeal for help, describing him as "approximately 170cm [5ft 7in] tall with brown hair and tanned complexion" in a public notice.

They added that he is known to frequent the inner-city Melbourne suburb of Northcote "and [its] surrounding areas" and included a current image of Pledger "in the hope someone may be able to provide information on his whereabouts".

Pledger's manager, Craig McMahon, told the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper he had not been in contact with his client this week but that he had been shocked by the assault allegations.

He also claimed that Pledger had been struggling with mental health issues.

The 30-year-old joined the cast of Home and Away in 2016, where he played the fictional character Mason Morgan for three years.

Prior to that, he appeared on the popular soap opera Neighbours, as well as TV shows Silversun and CrashBurn.

His is due to appear in court again on 10 May. — BBC