Police have renewed their appeal to find a rapist who went on the run from Leyhill prison near Bristol at the start of June. Sean Phipps failed to return after a day release to HMP Leyhill on Wednesday, June 1, and has not been recaptured since.
Police say anyone who sees the 51-year-old to call 999 immediately, and have advised people that Phipps may well be camping out somewhere, or travelling on foot, bicycle or hitch-hiking. Phipps has previously gone by a number of surnames, including Cawthray, Goldthorpe, and Perry.
He was imprisoned having been convicted of kidnap and rape in 2002. He is described as white, about 6ft 2ins and was wearing at the time of his release a black coat over a blue top, blue jeans and Timberland footwear. He also wore a black Casio watch, blue glasses, and carried a vape pen with him.
Read more: Call 999 urgently if you see wanted prisoner
Police have set up a special page on their website to report information about any sightings of Sean Phipps, but are urging anyone who sees him to call 999 straight away. The page also has a facility to upload video of him.
Earlier this month, Detective Inspector Dan Rowan said: “Sean Phipps travelled to Bristol city centre on Wednesday but failed to return to HMP Leyhill as required. At this time we are keeping an open mind as to where he is, but believe he could have travelled outside the force area.
"He’s known to have links with the Leicester and Leeds areas. We’d please ask anyone who sees Phipps to call 999 and give reference number 5222130002."
Today (Thursday June 23,) police said Phipps 'could be in Bristol or nearby areas, including North Somerset and South Gloucestershire'. "He travels on foot, by bike, hitch-hikes and camps out. Anyone who knows where he may have travelled to is asked to call 101 and use the same reference number," he added.
