Police have urged the public to be vigilant after a rapist fled his open prison one week ago. Sean Phipps was on day release in Bristol on Wednesday, June 1, but he failed to return to HMP Leyhill as required.
The 51-year-old is 'capable of carrying out dangerous crimes', detectives have now warned. Officers say he might steal clothes, food or bikes and could use 'sob stories' to gain the trust of members of the public. Police are urging anyone with information to call 999, reports BristolLive.
Phipps was convicted of kidnap in 2002 and rape in 1989 and 1993. He has previously used a number of different surnames – including Cawthray, Goldthorpe and Perry. He is known to have links to the Leicester, Leeds and Nottingham areas and police are working with other forces nationally to find him.
