Manhunt for missing child rapist who presents ‘real risk’ to women and children

Stephen Pennington, 35, is being sought by Lancashire Police after he failed to comply with his licence conditions

(Lancashire Police)

A manhunt is underway for a child rapist who police say “presents a real risk to children and women”.

Stephen Pennington, 35, is being sought by Lancashire Police after he failed to comply with his licence conditions and being recalled to prison.

Pennington was jailed in 2009 for raping a child before being jailed again last year for breaches of a sexual harm prevention order and notification requirements. Police described him as a “high-risk sex offender”.

Det Con Stewart Marshall said: “Pennington is a high-risk sex offender who presents a real risk to children and women and I would appeal to anyone who sees him or knows where he could be to get in touch.”

He has links to Blackburn, Blackpool and Wigan.

Pennington is described as white, slim and around 6ft tall. He has short balding dark brown hair.

Police urged people to call 999 with any immediate sightings and asked anyone who sees him or knows where he is to contact 01253 604019 or email mosovowest@lancashire.police.uk.