Police warn escaped rapist could be in West Yorkshire

Sean Cawthray, 41, absconded from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on Sunday night.

In 2002 he was given an indefinite sentence after attempting to kidnap a 14-year-old from a bus stop in Leeds.

Cawthray also has previous convictions for rape, attempted rape and assault.

Detectives say he may have travelled to Yorkshire, in particular West Yorkshire.

He also has connections in Leicestershire and London.

Cawthray is between 5ft 9ins to 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build with short brown hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing silver trainers, cream coloured combat trousers and a light blue coloured Helly Hansen type top.

He may have been wearing either a worker’s fluorescent jacket, or a grey jacket with orange patches or a black jacket with a blue patch.

Anyone who sees Cawthray should not to approach him and call police immediately.

DI Jill Kells, of South Gloucestershire CID, said: “We are committed to locating, returning to custody and charging anyone unlawfully at large.

“Officers work closely with HMP Leyhill and other police forces to track down absconders promptly and keep any potential risk to the public to a minimum.”

Anyone with information should call police on 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.