Police have stepped up their search for a dangerous sex offender after the death of a woman in his Somerset home.

Richard Scatchard, who is 70 and comes from Minehead, is wanted on recall to prison and in connection with a murder investigation

There have been reported sightings of him in Minehead and Watchet this week - but police say he could be anywhere.

Detectives say Scatchard is considered a risk to the public, specifically the women he forms relationships with.

He was last seen in Minehead on 16 October but he could be anywhere in the country.

The ambulance service alerted police to the sudden death of Kelly Faiers, 61, from Weston-super-Mare, at Scatchard’s address on Blenheim Road, Minehead on Sunday October 15.

A forensic post-mortem examination to determine the cause of Kelly’s death was inconclusive. Her death is currently being treated as suspicious.

Kelly’s family are being supported and updated by specially trained family liaison officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Jess Aston said: “Our thoughts are with Kelly’s family at this tragic time and we’re doing all we can to provide them with the answers they deserve."

“Scatchard is a prolific user of dating apps and has previously been convicted of sexual offences in which he administered drugs to his victims to enable his crimes.

“We’re using a wide range of resources and tactics to try and locate him but have so far been unsuccessful.

“Extensive searches continue to be carried out on both land and at sea in the Minehead area but we really need the public’s help."

Scatchard is white, about 5ft 11ins tall, of average build with short grey hair.

He speaks with a Scottish accent and has previously claimed to be called Richard Dunlop.