POLICE believe a convicted rapist and kidnapper may be in Somerset.

Officers are warning people not to approach Sean Phipps if they see him, but to call 999 immediately.

Phipps failed to return to prison on Wednesday, June 1, from release on temporary licence from Bristol.

He is 51 and about 6ft 2in tall.

Police have issued pictures of him, but believe he may have changed his appearance.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said he may still be in Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire.

But he cold be using the South West Coastal Path and may have reached Somerset, Devon, Dorset or Cornwall.

If you see him call 999 and give the call handler the reference number 5222130002.

Alternatively, if you know where he is call 101 and give the same number.