Avon & Somerset police hunt convicted rapist who absconded from prison

Avon & Somerset police are asking for the public's help to find a convicted rapist who went missing last night from Leyhill Open Prison - but are warning people not to approach him.

Sean Cawthray, 41,who has been jailed twice for rape, was last seen at about 5.30pm and is thought to have left the prison in South Gloucestershire sometime before 8.30pm.

He is described as white, 5ft 9in to 5ft 11in, of medium build with short brown hair and blue eyes.

When last seen he was wearing a pair of silver training shoes, cream combat trousers and a light blue top. He may have been wearing either a worker's fluorescent jacket, a grey jacket with orange patches, or a black jacket with a blue patch.

Anyone who believes they have seen him should contact police immediately on 999.