A PAEDOPHILE who went on the run has been arrested in the Irish Republic.

Child sex offender William Paden, who police warned posed a significant risk, was detained by detectives in the border county of Cavan.

The 56-year-old, who lived for many years in Accrington, was being held on suspicion of failing to notify Irish authorities he had entered the country.

He had been wanted for recall to prison after leaving his home in Blackpool last week.

Detectives believe the paedophile may have travelled to Northern Ireland first before entering the Republic.

He was arrested in the town of Ballyhaise at about 4pm on Wednesday before being taken to Cavan Town Garda station under section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

It is believed detectives intend to bring him before a court today.

Paden has 19 sexual convictions dating back to 1974, including rape, indecently assaulting a girl, assault with intent to rape and inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.

He is banned from associating with children unless they are unaccompanied by an adult aged 21 and upwards.

Police described Paden as a registered sex offender with a long history of convictions against children going back more than 30 years.