National Manhunt For Convicted Sex Offender Who Escaped From Prison

Police in Britain have launched a nationwide manhunt for a convicted sex offender who escaped from prison this weekend.

Paul Robson, 56, was reported missing at around 7.00am on Sunday, February 13, from HMP North Sea Camp in Boston, Lincolnshire, where he was being held on a life sentence for attempted rape and indecent assault.

Police have warned Robson poses a 'particular danger to women and young children', though he is capable of causing 'real harm to anyone he comes across'.

Members of the public are being urged to dial 999 if they see Robson, who is described as being of slim build with a bald head and a long goatee beard. He was initially believed to be in the Boston area around where he escaped, but authorities have stressed that he could now have fled further afield.

Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Cox released a statement on Robson's disappearance on Sunday, making clear that police are 'still working tirelessly to locate Paul Robson and are still working through numerous lines of enquiry.'

Cox continued: 'He could be anywhere in the country, and we are really keen to hear from the public with potential sightings so we can take this man off our streets. Robson is a dangerous sex offender and while he presents a particular danger to women and young children, I believe he can cause real harm to anyone he comes across.'

Members of the public have been warned not to approach Robson or try to apprehend him if he is spotted on the street.

Cox said: 'Call 999 immediately. We are really grateful for all the shares so far and rest assured we will continue our efforts to find and arrest him. Thank you.'

The 56-year-old received a life sentence in 2000 after he crawled through a cat flap in an Oxford woman's home, placed a pillowcase over her head and held a knife to her throat while subjecting her to a series of attacks.

He was described by a judge at Oxford Crown Court as a 'menace to females', Sky News reports, having already had a long history of violent sex attacks on women and young girls.

Prior being sentenced to life, Robson had been in and out of prison for attacks against adult women and girls as young as eight over a period of 16 years. Police said extra resources have been committed to finding Robson and getting him off the streets.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact the Rape Crisis England and Wales helpline on 0808 802 9999 between 12pm–2.30pm and 7pm– 9.30pm every day. Alternatively, you can contact Victim Support free on 08 08 16 89 111 available 24/7, every day of the year, including Christmas