DETECTIVES are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a missing sex offender from Burnley.

Michael Andrew Smith, 29, had been living in the town but is now wanted after failing to notify the authorities of a change of address.

Smith was convicted of sexually assaulting a woman in 2011. He was given a 12 months suspended sentence, placed on a 12 months drug rehabilitation programme and placed on the sex offenders register for 10 years.

Smith is described as white, of skinny build, around 6’ 1” tall, with a pale complexion and is described as having a scruffy appearance. He has a Merseyside accent.

It is believed Smith may now be in the Leeds area and police are appealing for anybody with information about his current whereabouts to come forward.

DC Andrew Ashworth said: “Smith is a registered sex offender who has failed to notify the authorities of his whereabouts. If anybody knows where he is currently or has been in contact with him recently then I would urge them to contact police.

“Sex offenders are managed in the community by police and partners, a system which aims to prevent them from committing further offences. If they do not comply with the obligations of their licence or notification requirements, then we will take positive action to locate them, as we are doing in this case.”

Anybody with any information can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.