ESSEX Police believe a convicted rapist who absconded from prison could be in the Tendring area.
Convicted rapist Stephen Tierney, 39, absconded from North Sea Camp Prison, in Lincolnshire, on July 3 and officers are investigating potential sightings of him in various locations.
The locations include Norfolk, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire - Tierney has links to all of these areas.
Essex Police also believe Tierney may be in the Tendring area and are advising residents not to approach him.
A Lincolnshire Police spokesman said: "Tierney poses a risk to the public who are advised not to approach him.
"He also poses a high risk to anyone who enters into a relationship with him.
"Officers urge Tierney to hand himself in immediately and advise anyone found to be assisting Tierney to evade capture will be subject to prosecution.
"This carries a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment."
A reward of up to £1,000 is being offered for any information leading up to Tierney's arrest.
An Essex Police spokesman added: "If you've seen him or have any information about where he is please call them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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