Renewed police appeal to trace wanted prisoner
Sean Phipps failed to return to prison on Wednesday 1 June
Last updated 22nd Mar 2024
Avon and Somerset Police are asking people to call 999 straight away if you see Sean Phipps, who failed to return to prison on Wednesday 1 June having been on release on temporary licence in Bristol.
Police say 51-year-old Phipps, is a white man about 6ft 2ins tall, but say his appearance may now have changed.
It is believed Phipps may still be in the greater Bristol area, including North Somerset or South Gloucestershire, but he’s known to walk or hitch-hike long distances and to steal bicycles for transport.
Detectives are following up a number of sightings after previous appeals, but are also investigating the possibility that he may be using the South West Coast Path and could have reached Somerset, Devon, Dorset or Cornwall.
Officers say he will rough sleep, camp out in rural areas or sleep in disused buildings. They added that he may also approach people to ask for water or casual labouring work and forage for food in bins or crops.
Phipps, who has convictions for kidnap and rape, has previously handed himself in to police when wanted.
Avon and Somerset Police have warned - if you see him, do not approach him, but instead call 999 and give the call-handler reference number 5222130002.
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