POLICE are hunting a sex offender with links to West Somerset who is on the run from prison after being released on temporary licence.

Paul O’Connor, 33, was last seen in Bristol city centre last Monday after absconding from Leyhill prison, Gloucestershire, where he was serving a sentence for sexual assault.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: “O’Connor had been released on a temporary licence but failed to return at the allocated time. He is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall with a goatee beard and dark hair pulled back into a bun.

“He is believed to be wearing a black and blue T-shirt, blue jeans and black trainers. He was last seen in Bristol but has links with Minehead, Dulverton and Taunton.”

Appealing for help in finding O’Connor, police warn the public not to approach him but to call 999 and give the call handler the reference number 5221163359.