Police launch manhunt for rapist on the run from prison after 26 years inside

Police have launched a manhunt for a rapist who is on the run from prison after 26 years inside.

Andrew Gestyn Richards, who was jailed in 1995 for offences including rape, assault and indecent assault, has failed to return to HMP Leyhill after being released on temporary licence.

Richards was staying at an authorised address in Swansea and was due to come back to the open prison on 25 June but he failed to show up.

Police said he has links to the Bridgend and Porthcawl areas of South Wales.

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Richards is described as white, aged 52, clean-shaven and about 5ft 10ins tall with grey hair.

He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap, grey jacket, black Adidas three-stripe shorts and blue trainers.

He was also carrying a dark-blue drawstring bag, a large black holdall and a rolled-up green item, possibly a tent.

Police said officers believe he could be camping, possibly wild camping, and may have travelled from the Swansea area.

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