WANTED posters are being put up across Blackburn and Darwen as police step up the hunt for a "dangerous" man on the run.

It is 17 days since Winswell Sutherland, 58, left the address where he was meant to be staying following his release on licence from prison.

Sutherland was jailed for 15 years in 1994 after torturing 78-year-old Ethel Fraser at her Preston home. He tied the pensioner upside down by her feet above a door frame and viciously beat her. Neighbours disturbed the attack, which police said saved her life, although she was blinded in one eye.

Sutherland, originally from Newcastle, was released from prison last August because he had completed two-thirds of his sentence, which is the statutory amount.

However, in breaking the strict terms of his licence, police are concerned about his intentions and say he is potentially volatile and unpredictable.

The posters are being put up at shops, off-licences, garages and other public buildings after several sightings in Blackburn and Darwen.

Acting Detective Inspector Ian Critchley, of Blackburn CID, said it was an effective way of reminding people about who they were looking for and not to approach him.

He added: "Anyone who sees him must ring the police immediately, preferably from their mobile phones if possible, so we can get an exact location and secure his capture."

He was last seen leaving the Blackburn address with a sleeping bag and he maybe living rough.

Det Insp Critchley said: "While we can't say whether or not he will commit any further offences, we can say he is potentially very dangerous and should not be approached."

Sutherland is of mixed race, 5ft 7in tall, stocky, with short receding black, curly hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information should call 01254 51212.