Convicted sex offender missing

Wanted: James Warke.

Police are becoming increasingly concerned after a convicted sex offender failed to sign on at Rochdale police station.

James Warke, 46, was released from prison in May this year after being convicted in 1999 of committing sexual offences against boys.

Police also want to speak to him in connection with a sexual assault against a 20-year-old man in the early hours of Saturday morning (17 October).

Warke is currently required to sign on at Rochdale Police Station every day but last did this on Friday (16 October).

As he is a convicted registered sex offender, he also has three days to notify police about changing his address but has so far failed to do this and officers are currently working to trace him.

Detective Inspector Debbie Conlon Houldershaw from Greater Manchester Police's Sex Offender Management Unit said: "Warke has a history of being a risk to children and vulnerable adults and we are keen to find out where he is so he can be properly monitored and avoid anyone being put in danger.

"Since he went missing, my officers have been carrying out extensive inquiries to trace Warke but we also need the public's help.

"If anyone has any information about where he is they should contact police at the earliest opportunity, we do not want people to take the law into their own hands and would urge people not to approach him."

Anyone with any information about Warke is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.