A dangerous rapist on the run from jail could be on the loose in Essex, police have revealed.

Andrew Crisp, 36, escaped from Lincoln Prison early Wednesday morning aided by accomplices.

Police had thought he may be heading back to his home town near Nottingham, but said today he also has many relatives and friends in Essex.

A spokeswoman for Nottinghamshire Police said: "We believe he could be in Essex or heading there. But we would stress that anyone who sees him should not approach him but should contact police immediately."

She said police were looking at the whole of the county.

Crisp was almost two years into an eight-and-a-half year term for raping a Nottingham woman he then "stalked" in a bid to make her withdraw her allegation against him.

Crisp set fire to her home and sent her a series of terrifying letters from his cell while he was remanded in custody.

He is 5ft 10ins tall, weighs around 14 stone and is of medium build, with a ruddy complexion, brown hair and green eyes.

Crisp has a scar or tattoo of a star on his left ear.

Anyone who sees him should immediately telephone Nottinghamshire Police on 0115 9670999, their local police station, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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