Police launch manhunt in Manchester after rapist released on licence disappears

Police have launched a manhunt for a convicted rapist who has disappeared days after being released from prison on licence.

Luke Jones, 25, who had been jailed in 2012 for raping a 25-year-old woman in Manchester City Centre, was released on licence on September 16.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said Jones had been ordered to live at a bail hostel in Bury under the conditions of his licence but he has absconded from the hostel.

The public are being warned he could potentially pose a risk and not to approach him.

GMP Detective Sergeant Steph Parker said: "We are following a number of lines of enquiry in our efforts to trace Luke Jones but have so far been unable to find him.

"We believe he may be in the city centre area but it is possible that he could be in other areas of Manchester.

"I would urge anybody with information about his whereabouts to contact police. Do not approach him but call police immediately."

Detectives have appealed for anybody with information to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 2149 of 23/09/16, or to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.