Lee Mathew Thorley, 28, was last seen in the city on Friday after he was released on licence from Wolds Prison, in Humberside.

Police raised the alarm after he failed to comply with curfew orders.

Lee Thorley is described as white, 5'8" tall and has brown hair and blue eyes.

Public warning

Deputy Chief Constable Bob Wood said: "We are anxious to trace this man as we considered him to be a danger to women of all ages.

"He is known to follow a nomadic lifestyle and has previously been found sleeping rough.

"Anyone who sees him should not approach him but should contact the police by ringing 999 immediately."

A Derbyshire MP has said tougher controls are needed on sex offenders released into the community.

Tagging call

Thorley was convicted of two assaults on women last year and the rape of a 13-year-old girl in 1996.

He is described by police as a danger to woman of all ages and the public are being warned not to approach him.

The South Derbyshire MP Mark Todd says the case highlights failings in the current system.

He is calling for dangerous offenders to be electronically tagged or housed in more secure premises on release.

Derbyshire police have in the past stated their opposition to calls for the whereabouts of known sex offenders to be made public.