Police have urged people to be “extra vigilant” as a manhunt continues for a serial sex offender serving a life sentence who absconded from an open prison.
Gary Butcher, who has a number of convictions for sex attacks on women, left HMP North Sea Camp near Boston, Lincolnshire, on Tuesday.
Lincolnshire Police said people should not approach the “dangerous” 55-year-old, who may have travelled to Leicestershire.
The public are being warned that Butcher has previously charmed his way into people’s homes to carry out his attacks.
The force said he is serving a life sentence for aggravated burglary and that his previous offending includes a number of serious sexual offences towards women.
He is described as a white male with a stocky build, with brown/grey hair and blue eyes.
He has a swallow tattoo on his right arm and a “Phillip-Trina” tattoo on his left arm.
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Following CCTV enquiries, police say Butcher may be wearing a long-sleeved green jacket and dark blue cargo shorts. He may also be carrying a black ‘No Fear’ rucksack.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Paul Coleman said: “We are still appealing for help to find wanted man Gary Butcher, who was reported missing from North Sea Camp in Boston yesterday morning.
“I want to reassure the public that my team and I are working around the clock with other forces and agencies to locate this male.
“Gary Butcher is a dangerous individual who has previously targeted and charmed his way into people’s homes to carry out his attacks.
“I would urge the public to be extra vigilant, to be very careful in regard to who they are opening their door to and to make us aware of any information that may help in his capture.
“If you do see Gary Butcher, please do not approach him and instead call us on 101 or 999 if it’s an emergency.”
