POLICE have praised people for trying to help in their search for a 'dangerous' man missing from Blackburn - but have said they are no nearer in finding him.

Winswell Sutherland, 58, disappeared from his Blackburn address four weeks ago and despite numerous sightings by members of the public, he has still not been traced.

Police believe the man, who was released on licence from prison last August after being jailed for torturing a frail pensioner, could now have moved out of the Blackburn and Darwen area.

Inspector Stuart Bruce said: "We have had several members of the public reporting people of a similar description to this man but none have proved to be Winswell.

"There have been lots of concerned people coming to us having found bags and bits of clothing which they thought might be related but none of it has come to fruition. There is some suggestion he might not be in this area anymore. He would need food and shelter and he is a very distinctive looking man, so we would expect to have had some kind of sighting by now.

"We are still concerned for people and also for Winswell because if he is living rough he could be in need of food and medication."

Anyone with information should call the police on 01254 51212.