Absconded inmate 'sighting' probed

Police are investigating a possible sighting of a "dangerous and predatory" absconded prisoner.

Ivan Leach, also known as Lee Cyrus, 47, went missing from North Sea Camp open prison in Boston, Lincolnshire, having failed to return from day release on October 9.

He is suspected to have committed a serious sex attack in Tayside while on the run and the public are warned not to approach him under any circumstances as he poses a significant risk.

The last known sighting of him was in his home town of Preston on October 19. Tayside Police said more than 100 sightings of him have been reported in the force area in the last two weeks.

Grampian Police are now investigating a possible sighting of Leach in the Boddam area of Aberdeenshire on Tuesday night. Two officers on a patrol saw a man matching his description on a bike in Claymore Crescent.

Chief Inspector Derek Hiley said: "We are treating this possible sighting of missing prisoner Lee Cyrus seriously and are conducting all possible inquiries to establish whether Cyrus is, or has been, in the Grampian area in recent days.

"As with all other police forces in the UK, we are following up on all potential sightings of this dangerous individual. Until we can be certain that Cyrus is not, or has not been, in the Grampian area, I would urge members of the public to take all possible precautions to ensure their safety.

"He is extremely dangerous and should under no circumstances be approached. We have an extensive police presence in the area carrying out patrols and searches to ensure the safety of the public. It is crucial that members of the public who believe they have seen a male fitting the description of Lee Cyrus contact Grampian Police as a matter of urgency."

He is white, around 5ft 11in and stocky. He has a shaved head and hazel eyes. Police also said he has a scar on his top lip and was last seen wearing a black waterproof jacket, dark trousers and carrying a full rucksack.

Leach was jailed in 2005 for robbing a 90-year-old woman in her home in Ribbleton, Preston. He was given a life sentence with a minimum tariff of five years. He also has convictions for burglary and robbery and assault.