YORK street entertainer Michael Todd was today a free man after more than three weeks in US military custody in Iraq.

Mr Todd, 33, also known as Michael Mime, was picked up by US soldiers on July 4 after he was found trying to cross the border from Iraq into Turkey, at Sulay-maniyah, in northern Iraq.

He was transferred to Baghdad the following day.

Mr Todd, of Bishophill, was released from custody yesterday, though his whereabouts are not known.

York MP Hugh Bayley, who contacted the British consul in Iraq after hearing of Mr Todd's arrest, welcomed news of his release.

"I am sure his family and friends will be relieved."

Mr Todd went to the Middle East in February.

He first said he was on a mission to spread "unconditional love" to the war-torn country, and took hundreds of soft toys donated to Iraqi children by York residents.

Mr Todd then claimed he was trying to trace his estranged Iraqi girlfriend and their daughter.

Are you a member of Mr Todd's family or do you know where any of them live? If so please phone Richard Edwards on 01904 653051 (extension 310) or email richard.edwards@ycp.co.uk

Updated: 09:22 Saturday, July 26, 2003