Urgent warning issued as 66-year-old sex offender goes on the run post-prison release

Police are desperately searching for a missing sex offender who has vanished after being released from jail.

Christopher Spelman, 66, is sought for breaching sexual offender notification requirements, officers have confirmed. Spelman has been at large since July 14, and was most recently sighted at a railway station in Bournemouth, Dorset.

The individual, who hails from Prescot, Merseyside, is thought to be residing in a tent whilst moving around and utilising transport terminals and camping grounds, according to police. Members of the public who spot Spelman have been warned against confronting him,and should contact the authorities instead.

Lancashire Police revealed that he was discharged from a prison near Weymouth and neglected to provide them with an address, which they describe as a clear violation of his conditions. The constabulary has issued an appeal urging residents along the south coast to remain vigilant.

In a Facebook post, a force spokesman stated: "We are continuing to ask for your help to find Christopher Spelman, 66, who is wanted for failing to comply with sexual offender notifications requirements. Spelman, initially from Prescot, Merseyside, is likely to be living in a tent and travelling and using transport hubs and campsites.",reports the Mirror.

"At the start of July, Spelman was released from prison near Weymouth and failed to register an address with police, which in breach of his notification requirements. As an update, we have this sighting of him on CCTV at Bournemouth railway station at 10.56am on Friday 4th July."

"He exits the station and turns in the direction of Holdenhurst Road. Spelman might have used local shops, the bus service or taxis in the area. Immediate sightings of Spelman in any part of the country, please call 999. Any previous sightings or information as to where he might be email mosovowest@lancashire.police.uk".

Alongside the statement, officers released an image captured from what appears to be CCTV footage from inside Bournemouth railway station at 10.56am on Friday 4th July. The Facebook post has been shared more than 400 times.

The CCTV footage included in the fresh police appeal depicts Spelman walking into a train station whilst carrying a substantial rucksack. He can be seen wearing a grey sleeveless top and full-length trousers, along with a grey hat.

The public has been urged to dial 999 immediately upon spotting Spelman.