A convicted rapist has been on the run for more than six weeks. Sean Phipps was due to return to HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on June 1 after being released on temporary licence but he absconded.
Phipps, 51, was convicted of kidnap in 2002 and rape in 1989 and 1993. He is understood to have spent time in Bristol during his licence period but Avon and Somerset police have issued a new appeal warning he is known to hitch-hike long distances.
A force spokeswoman said: "A dedicated team has been following up all reported sightings and co-ordinating with other police forces across the country following Avon and Somerset Police's series of appeals since June 1. Phipps may still be in the greater Bristol area, including North Somerset or South Gloucestershire, but he's known to walk or hitch-hike over long distances and to steal bicycles for transport.
