Man wanted on recall to prison

Police are appealing for information regarding the whereabouts of Felix Purcell, 43 years of age.

Purcell was released from prison on 2 August 2013 after being sentenced to 9 years for robbery at the home of an elderly couple in July 2009. He has a previous conviction dating from 1989 for which he was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for the rape of a woman in her own home. The terms and conditions of his license upon release from prison require him to reside at a fixed address in the Sandbach area, be subject to an overnight curfew, and report to the Authorities at set points during the course of the day. Purcell breached these requirements on 8 October 2013 and a notice of recall to prison has been issued.

Felix Purcell is a white man, 43 years of age, 5′ 6" tall, and heavy in build. He is clean shaven, with brown hair shaved close to his head, blue eyes, and speaks with an Irish accent. He has a scar on his left arm. When he was last seen he was wearing dark trousers, a navy blue cardigan, and a chequered shirt. Purcell also had white paint on his hands − suggesting he may have been engaged in painting or decorating work. Police are keen to hear from anyone who may recognise him as having undertaken such work recently around their property.

He was last seen at 1600 hours on 8 October 2013 by a member of the Probation Service at his residential address in the Sandbach area. He left the address and has not been seen since.

Purcell does travel and may have links with the North Wales area.

Purcell′s bicycle, a "Giant" make red mountain bicycle, is also missing. It may be in Purcell′s possession, or it may have been abandoned or sold. Police are appealing for any information on the whereabouts of this bicycle.

Police are advising that Felix Purcell may pose a risk to the public and should not be approached. Anybody who sees him is asked to immediately ring 999. Purcell′s previous convictions relate to burglaries, resulting in violence when disturbed by the householders. Police are therefore advising the public to ensure their homes are locked and secure against intruders.

Police enquiries are active and ongoing to locate Purcell.

Anyone who thinks they may have seen Purcell since 1600 hours on 8 October, or has any information regarding his current whereabouts is asked to contact police on the non emergency number, 101, quoting incident 633 of 08/10/2013. Anyone who sights Purcell should immediately call police on 999, and should not approach him.

If you prefer to offer information anonymously, you can do so by ringing the Crimestoppers Hotline on 0800 555 111. All information will be passed to police and you will not be asked to provide your name or contact details.