POLICE have issued an urgent appeal for assistance to locate a convicted murderer who is wanted for emergency recall to prison after he breached his release licence.

Fifty-three-year-old William Kerr - who is believed to have links to Skipton - needs to be arrested and returned to prison as a matter of urgency.

If spotted, people are asked not to approach him but instead to call the police immediately on 999.

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

The National Offender Management Service contacted North Yorkshire Police for assistance after Kerr absconded from approved premises in Hull.

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

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.”

Det Insp 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.”

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, quoting North Yorkshire Police reference number 12150049525. Please say it is “urgent”.