Police hunt 'dangerous' sex offender after he escapes mental health hospital

'Mr Cuffy has mental health issues and could pose a risk to himself or others'

Elwin Cuffy was last seen wearing a black and white T-shirt, black jacket, black jeans, black and white trainers (West Yorkshire Police)

A dangerous sex offender who escaped a mental health hospital in Bradford is now believed to be in Doncaster.

Elwin Cuffy, 49, was reported missing from Cygnet Hospital in Brierley Lane, Bradford on Saturday afternoon.

He was convicted of a sex offence in 2011 and had been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.

Two carers were escorting him him to the hospital grounds, where he was allowed under supervision, when he ran off.

He was later seen getting in a taxi, which dropped him off in Doncaster.

Cuffy was conviced of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in Leeds.

He was previously sectioned in Nottingham in 1998, following convictions for robbery and possessing a fake firearm.

Police described him as black, 5ft 9ins tall, of medium build, with dreadlocks to the back of the head and a beard and moustache.

He was last seen wearing a black and white T-shirt, black jacket, black jeans, black and white trainers.

Superintendent Paul McCurry said: “The quicker we find Mr Cuffy the better for everyone involved. Mr Cuffy has mental health issues and could pose a risk to himself or others.

“We are conducting a number of lines of enquiry including reviewing CCTV, speaking to local hotel and bed and breakfast owners as well as speaking to his family and friends."

Anyone with information about his whereabouts are urged to call Bradford District Police via 101.