A CONVICTED rapist with links to East Lancashire is wanted by police on recall to prison after allegedly breaching his licence conditions.

Police said 63-year-old Francis Doherty, also known as Frank Doherty, has links to Rawtenstall, Bacup and Haslingden.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Police said Doherty, who was jailed for three years in May 2005 after being convicted of two sexual assaults and was jailed in 1985 after being convicted of rape, is wanted for breach of his licence conditions.

Doherty, who is on the sex offender’s register for life and first committed a sexual offence 38 years ago, could be sleeping rough and begging in the Manchester area, police said.

Temporary Detective Sergeant Stephen Munro said: “We are appealing for information as to Doherty’s whereabouts after he breached his licence conditions.

“From our enquiries we believe Doherty knows he is now wanted and could be hiding in the Greater Manchester area.

“It is possible Doherty could be begging but unknown where and he may be sleeping rough.

“Anyone with information which may assist our enquiries is asked to contact police immediately on 101, quoting log reference 0030 of October 15."