Cops launch manhunt for on-the-run convicted child rapist who presents ‘real risk to women and children’
COPS have launched a manhunt for a convicted child rapist after he went on the run.
Police have warned he “presents a real risk to children and women”.
Lancashire Police started the hunt for Stephen Pennington, 35, after he failed to comply with his licence conditions.
The force said the convicted child rapist was a “high-risk sex offender” and is being recalled to prison.
He is said to have connections to Blackburn, Blackpool and Wigan.
Pennington was jailed in 2009 for the rape of a child and is a registered sex offender.
Last year he was again jailed for breaches of a sexual harm prevention order.
In a bid to find him, cops released two images of Pennington, including one taken from CCTV footage.
Police described Pennington as white, slim and around 6ft tall. He has short balding dark brown hair.
Det Con Stewart Marshall, from the Mosovo (Management of Sexual or Violent Offenders) Team at West Division, said: “Pennington is a high-risk sex offender who presents a real risk to children and women and I would appeal to anyone who sees him or knows where he could be to get in touch.”
Police have urged anyone who sees him or knows where he is to contact 01253 604019 or email mosovowest@lancashire.police.uk.
For any immediate sightings the public is urged to call 999.