A SEX offender is being hunted by police after going on the run from his Rossendale home.

Alan Clune, 32, who lives in Haslingden, has been described as posing a risk to the public. He was last seen in Cheshire on May 11. He is now wanted for breaching the requirements of the Sexual Offences Act.

In December 2002, the former Big Issue seller, who knew he was HIV positive, was jailed for four years after raping a man from Oldham in Swansea city centre.

Clune also knew he had hepatitis B when he committed the offence after drinking with two other homeless men on September 5 that year.

After admitting the offence he was placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.

Inspector Pauline Tyrell, from Burnley Police, said: “Clune is a registered sex offender who has failed to notify the authorities of his whereabouts and who may be a risk to members of the public.

“I would appeal for anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to get in touch with the police.

“Sex offenders are managed in the community by police and partners, a system which aims to prevent them committing further offences, but if they do not comply with the obligations of their licence or notification requirements, then we will take positive action to locate them, as we are doing in this case.”

Police believe Clune may now be in London’s West End. Anyone who has seen him or knows where he is should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.