Police have said they will be patrolling the Harbour Festival this weekend as convicted rapist and kidnapper, Seah Phipps, has been missing for over a month.
Phipps, 51, failed to return to prison on Wednesday, June 1 having been on release on temporary licence in Bristol from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire. He is described as a white man about 6ft 2ins tall and slim and his appearance may have changed since the pictures that have been provided were taken, police added.
Avon and Somerset Police has said its team has been following up on all reported sightings and co-ordinating with other forces across the country following our series of appeals since June 1.
Read more: Rapist and kidnapper on the run for a month 'may be in Bristol'
The force believes Phipps may still be in the greater Bristol area, including North Somerset or South Gloucestershire. He’s known to walk or hitchhike over long distances and steal bicycles for transport. It is believed he camps out in rural areas and so police have warned the public that he may approach people to ask for water or casual labouring work.
In a statement, the force said: "Alternatively, he may return to Bristol or urban centres to sleep in disused buildings or to search bins for food. We know there may be more people than usual out and about in Bristol this weekend for the Harbourside Festival and as usual, there will be an increased uniformed police presence for that event."
In a previous appeal last month, police said he had absconded from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire. He was imprisoned having been convicted of kidnap and rape in 2002.
Phipps has previously handed himself in when wanted, police said. Officers have urged anyone who sees him to not approach him but instead call 999 and give the call handler reference number 5222130002.
If you have any information about where he could be - however small - or to report a past sighting (since June 1) police urge you to call 101 or use the dedicated online form to send a message straight to detectives.
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