Is Missing Sex Fiend Hiding Out In Ulster?

One of the UK’s most wanted sex offenders has gone missing and could be in hiding in Ulster. Police are hunting for John Richard Murrell (38) after he failed to comply with legal restrictions on his movements.

There have been possible sightings of Murrell in Belfast.

Murrell’s details and a photograph have been posted on the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre’s ‘most wanted’ website in a bid to locate him.

The website states that Murrell’s last known address was in the Worcestershire area and that there have been possible sightings of him in Belfast, Aberystwyth, Blackpool and Canada.

Murrell is approximately 5ft 8in tall and of stocky build. He has a scar on his lower lip, a burn mark on his left arm and a scar on his left side near his hip.

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre’s chief executive Jim Gamble said: “Thanks to the most wanted, offenders who fail to comply with notification requirements are finding it harder to hide from the authorities.

“We believe that by attempting to evade management, these offenders lose their right to anonymity. We will therefore maximise every available opportunity to locate them, including posting their details on the most wanted website.

“We’re asking members of the public to visit the site today and take a look at Murrell’s profile. If they have information regarding his whereabouts, we’d encourage them to come forward.”

Four missing sex offenders have already been traced as a result of having their details posted on the website.

“It is vital that people act responsibly if they believe they know the location of a sought offender,” Mr Gamble added.

“They must immediately report sightings so that the police can take appropriate action. Any vigilante activity would undermine what we are trying to achieve and could result in arrest and prosecution.”

The CEOP Centre is still trying to trace Colin Taylor, Joshua Karney and Peter Wheatherley, who have all gone missing.