William Kerr, 52, was jailed for life at Leeds Crown Court on June 26, 1998, and released on licence on January 23 this year.

He is wanted for emergency recall to prison after the National Offender Management Service contacted North Yorkshire Police for assistance after he absconded from approved premises in Hull.

His current whereabouts are not known, however he is known to have links to the Humberside, West Yorkshire and London areas.

Police say Kerr needs to be arrested and returned to prison as a matter of urgency and warn the public if they see him, not to approach him but to call the police immediately.

Detective Inspector Eamonn Clarke, of North Yorkshire Police, said: “To assist our already extensive efforts to trace William Kerr, I am urging people to keep an eye out for the man in the photographs.

“We ask that you do not approach Kerr, as he is considered dangerous. You should contact the police straight away on 999 and officers will be despatched to arrest him or investigate the sighting.” DI Clarke is also appealing directly to Kerr: “William, you know you have breached your licence conditions, and by continuing to do so you are only making things worse. It is now time to do the right thing and hand yourself in to the police.” Anyone with information should call 999 and pass details to North Yorkshire Police, stating the "William Kerr appeal".

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting North Yorkshire Police reference number 12150049525 and say it is “urgent”.