Police are appealing for information about a sex offender who has absconded from Leyhill Prison.

Paul O’Connor, 33, is currently serving custodial sentence for sexual assault. He had been released on a temporary licence and has failed to return.

He was last seen in Bristol city centre at about 8am yesterday.

O’Connor is described as white, 5ft 6ins, 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.

Although he was last seen in Bristol, he has links to Nailsea, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, Minehead, Dulverton, Torquay and Weymouth.

If you see O’Connor, don’t approach him, but call 999 and give the call handler the reference number 5221163359.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.