Police just across the border in Gloucestershire have issued an urgent appeal to find a missing sex offender who poses ‘a risk within the community’.
Cheltenham man John Barden, 63, breached has his sexual offences prevention order when he left his supported lodgings on Monday 13 February.
Whilst police believed he is be in London, he could be anywhere.
Officers have been searching for Barden and, following further inquiries with those who have been working with him, it is believed he currently presents a risk within the community.
Barden is thought to have travelled by bus to London Victoria with several hundred pounds and is likely to be living homeless or in a hostel in the city.
He is white, 5 foot 10 inches tall, of stocky build and bald on top but with long grey hair on the side. He walks with a shuffle and was wearing a grey overcoat, blue jeans and dark shoes.
Detective Superintendent Simon Atkinson said: “Issuing a wanted appeal like this is a very serious matter and we do not want to scaremonger.
“However Barden’s disappearance does present real cause for concern.
“We’re working with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police to do everything we can to trace him but anyone who sees him or knows where he is should contact us.
“Please do not approach or attempt to apprehend Barden – call the authorities straight away.
“If you see him or know where he is please call 101 and quote incident 46 of 13 February. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
