POLICE are looking for a sex offender following the death of a woman at his home.

Richard Scatchard is wanted on recall to prison and for questioning as part of an ongoing murder investigation.

The 70-year-old, who could be anywhere in the country has links to Cheshire, poses a serious risk to women he forms relationships with, Avon and Somerset Police have said.

Detective chief inspector Jess Aston said: “Our absolute priority is to find Scatchard and see if he can assist with our enquiries. Richard, if you see this, please do the right thing and hand yourself in.

“Our search has focused on the Minehead area, however Scatchard could be anywhere in the country – we know he has recent links to the Cornwall, Gwent and South Wales areas while previous links include the Cheshire and Leicestershire areas.

“If you can help, please get in touch.”

She added: “His previous behaviour, along with information we have gathered since his disappearance, makes us anxious that he may have formed a new relationship with one or more women, and that he presents a serious risk to their safety.

“Scatchard is a prolific user of dating apps and has previously been convicted of sexual offences in which he administered drugs to his victims to enable his crimes.

“We’re using a wide range of resources and tactics to try and locate him but have so far been unsuccessful.”

Northwich Guardian: Kelly Faiers was found dead at Scatchard’s home address on October 15Kelly Faiers was found dead at Scatchard’s home address on October 15 (Image: Avon and Somerset Police)

Scatchard, formerly of Wilmslow Crescent in Thelwall, was convicted of eight offences at then-Warrington Crown Court in 2000.

He admitted to three charges of drugging his victims, two charges of indecent assault, one attempted rape, one charge of theft and one charge of burglary.

Sentencing Scatchard, Judge Hale said: "You are in my view a considerable danger to any woman with whom you enter a relationship.

"These are very grave sexual offences demanding a sentence of life imprisonment.

"I say that because I cannot predict at what stage you would be safe to release."

On October 15 this year, officers were alerted to the sudden death of Kelly Faiers, 61, at Scatchard’s home address in Minehead

A forensic post-mortem examination to determine the cause of her death was inconclusive but it is currently being treated as suspicious while detectives await the results of further tests.

Ms Jess Aston added: “Officers attended Scatchard’s address on October 15 and returned the following afternoon to speak to him about the death, but he had disappeared.

“We initially treated Scatchard as a high-risk missing person due to concerns he presented an immediate and serious risk of harm to himself.

“As our inquiry has progressed, we have become less worried about his welfare and far more concerned about the danger he presents to other people.”

Scatchard is described as being white, about 5ft 11ins, of average build with short grey hair.

He speaks with a Scottish accent and has previously claimed to be called Richard Dunlop.

He may be using a distinctive electric bicycle, a grey Gepida Alboin Curve with a pink front tyre rim, flowers on the rim of the rear tyre, and green and yellow electrical tape around the handlebars.

Members of the public are urged to call 999 immediately if they see him, and not to approach him.

Anyone who sees Scatchard is asked to ring 999, with the reference 5223251706. People can also provide information by calling 101, or by submitting it through the Avon and Somerset Police website.