POLICE have written to West Somerset residents asking for their help in catching dangerous on the run sex offender Richard Scatchard, who is wanted in connection with a murder inquiry.

Scatchard, aged 70, who was released from a life sentence for sex crimes, had been living in Blenheim Road, Minehead, but disappeared after a woman was found dead in his flat.

A post-mortem was unable to give a cause of death for 61-year-old Kelly Faiers, of Weston-super-Mare, and further tests were ongoing this week.

Police attended the incident on Sunday, October 15, and returned the following afternoon to speak to Scatchard only to then find he had disappeared.

The public have been warned not to approach Scatchard if he is spotted because could be dangerous and to immediately call 999.

Police said Scatchard, who is now wanted on recall to prison, was ‘a serious risk’ to women’s safety and they feared he may have started a relationship with one or more women.

Senior investigating officer Det Chief Insp Jess Aston said: “Scatchard is a prolific user of dating apps and has previously been convicted of sexual offences.

“His previous behaviour, along with information we have gathered since his disappearance, makes us anxious he may have formed a new relationship.

“We understand this news is likely to cause shock, sadness, and concern.

“We want to reassure you we are working around-the-clock to locate him and there is an increased high-visibility police presence in Minehead as a result for that reason, as well as to provide reassurance.

“We are asking for the community to continue to support us by providing any information about him that may be useful to our inquiries. 

“He was known to many people in and around Minehead so may have said something in passing that could have appeared quite normal at the time but may with hindsight contain a vital clue to helping us locate him, as he could be anywhere in the country.

“By working together, we are more likely to find him faster and can then hopefully provide Kelly’s family with the answers they deserve.”

DCI Aston said there had been 24 reported sightings of Scatchard since police issued a public appeal and she thanked everybody who had come forward with information.

She said detectives were sifting through all the reports to understand whether they were indeed Scatchard.

DCI Aston said Scatchard, who has a Scottish accent, could be travelling on a distinctive electric bicycle, a grey Gepida Alboin Curve with a pink front tyre rim, flowers on the rim of the rear tyre, and green and yellow electrical tape around the handlebars.

He is described as white, about 5 ft 11 ins tall, of average build, with short grey hair, and normally clean shaven, although his appearance may have changed since he was last seen in Minehead at 10 am on October 16.

DCI Aston said: “Many of you in the local community will know Scatchard by that name, but we are aware he has previously used the name Richard Dunlop, too.

“He was initially treated as a high-risk missing person due to concerns he presented an immediate and serious risk of harm to himself.

“As our inquiry has progressed, we have become less worried about his welfare and far more concerned about the danger he presents to others.

“If you see Scatchard, do not approach, phone 999 quoting reference 5223251706.

“If you have any other information which could help us find him, either call 101 quoting the same reference, submit it online via our website, or speak with officers who are carrying out patrols in the area.”