CCTV 'shows Lee Cyrus in Preston'

CCTV footage taken in Preston which is believed to show a dangerous criminal on the run from a Lincolnshire prison has been released by police.

The film is thought to show Lee Cyrus, 47, walking down Friargate at 18:50 BST on 17 October, police said.

It was taken minutes after a man matching his description made sexual advances to two girls.

Cyrus was serving life for robbery when he absconded from North Sea Camp open prison near Boston on 9 October.

Cyrus, who also has convictions for sex offences, failed to return to the prison after being let out on day release.

Before being jailed he lived and offended in the Preston area, and still has links there.

Lancashire Police said the 15-year-old girls were approached by a man at about 18:30 BST on 17 October at a bus stop on Lancaster Road in the city centre.

He encouraged them to participate in sexual activities with him, police said.

The girls boarded their bus and reported the matter.

Officers believe Cyrus, who is also known as Ivan Leach, could be sleeping rough and travelling "extensively".

They think he has spent some time in the Tayside area.

Det Ch Insp Ian Dawson said: "Leach is an extremely dangerous and predatory individual who poses a serious threat to members of the public.

"He has previous convictions for burglary, sex offences against a young girl, assault and robberies in which he has targeted elderly people in their own homes.

"I would remind people that he is violent and should not be approached."