A REGISTERED sex offender is wanted by police on recall to prison.

James Whitley, 36, who has links to Accrington and Rossendale, was originally convicted of rape in October 2011 and has failed to tell police of his new address and is therefore in breach of his notification requirements.

Police are now appealing for information to find the man from Blackpool, who is also believed to have breached his bail conditions in relation to an assault and a restraining order.

Whitley is described as white, around 5ft 6ins, of muscular build with brown eyes and shaved hair.

DS Angela Grey from the Sex Offender Management Unit at the police said: “It is important we find James Whitley who will be aware that he has breached his notification requirements and that we are looking for him.

“If you have seen him or know of his whereabouts, please get in contact with us as soon as possible.

"Similarly I would urge Whitley if he sees this appeal to hand himself in at the nearest police station."

Anyone with information can call the West Sex Offender Management Unit on 01253 604193 or they can email West – Somu@lancashrie.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively they can call police on 101.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.