Police issue warning over escaped sex offender

Police are searching for a sex offender who escaped from a Lincolnshire prison.

James Hands, 38, from Nottingham, was reported missing from HMP North Sea Camp in Boston on Tuesday.

Lincolnshire Police said he had tattoos on his neck and hands and was serving a sentence for stalking and harassment. The force said he may have also changed his appearance, such as shaving his face and or head, and is believed to have travelled to the Nottingham area.

Det Ch Insp Jesee Karanga said: "This man is a convicted sex offender who poses a risk of causing harm to the community."

Karanga added: "While he has absconded from Boston, he could be anywhere in the county, and we would encourage people to remain vigilant.

"We are deploying the necessary resources to locate and apprehend Hands. If you see him, please do not approach him, but instead report it to us by calling 999."

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