Lancashire sex offender wanted by police was last seen at Blackburn Bus Station

Police are searching for Francis Doherty, 68, who is wanted on recall to prison after breaching the conditions of his licence.

He has been previously been convicted of a number of sexual offences and was last wanted by police after a woman was raped in Accrington in September 2019.

Following a police appeal, he was captured, found guilty and jailed for 12 months in 2020.

After release from prison, he was ordered to inform police of his whereabouts and living arrangements, as per his sex offender notification requirements.

But he has failed to do this and a warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Also known as Frank, the 68-year-old was last seen in Blackburn town centre outside Wilko in King William Street shortly before 11pm on Tuesday night (July 19).

Today, police have released CCTV footage showing him at the bus station that night where he is believed to have caught the service to Manchester.

He is known to have links to the Rochdale and Oldham areas of Greater Manchester.

The 68-year-old is described as five foot eight inches tall, of medium build and has a scar on his left wrist and another on his right hand.

In footage from Blackburn Bus Station, he can be seen wearing a grey polo shirt, faded jeans, white Adidas trainers and carrying a white bag.

Police are urging anyone who sees him to call 999 immediately.

A police spokesman said: “We are really grateful for all the information have provided so far and we would continue to appeal for people to come forward if you know anything which might help.

“Please don’t approach Doherty if you see him but contact us with any information.”

Anyone with information should contact [email protected] or call 101 quoting log 0028 of July 20.