A fugitive sex offender wanted in connection with a brutal assault in Perth will feature on national television tonight.
Preston-born Lee Cyrus, also known as Ivan Leach, will be part of the “wanted” section on BBC’s Crimewatch at 9pm.
Cyrus has been on the run from a Lancashire open prison since October 9 and is thought to have been in Tayside between October 13 and 16.
During that time, a woman was attacked and sexually assaulted in her own Bridgend home on October 15.
Lancashire Police also released a new CCTV image captured on October 20, the day of the last confirmed sighting of Cyrus, on board a train between Preston and Nottingham.
He was also spotted on CCTV at a cash machine in Nottingham city centre that day before, police believe, he caught a bus to London.
Although there have been numerous sightings across Scotland and England since then, none have been confirmed.
Detective Superintendent Andy Murphy from Lancashire Constabulary’s Force Major Investigation Team said: “Police forces across the UK are alert to the fact that has absconded and with an impending appearance on Crimewatch his face will be now well known within communities across England and Scotland. He should do the right thing and give himself up.”
Cyrus/Leach is described as white; around 5ft 11in, of stocky build with cropped hair and hazel eyes.
His has a distinctive scar on his top lip under his nose and two distinctive tattoos, one with the name ‘Annette’ on the bicep of his left arm and a figure of a barbarian woman on the back of his right shoulder blade.
Since he absconded he may also have grown a beard and moustache and may change his appearance to evade capture.
Officers in Perth are still investigating the October 15 sexual assault. They are also looking into an assault and robbery of a pensioner in a flat nearby the day before.
Last week they issued images of a green tarpaulin and builders’ bag which they say are “significant” to their inquiry.
They still want to speak to anyone who saw a man carrying a mattress through the Bridgend streets on October 15.
It had been taken from the flat of the sex attack victim and was later dumped in the River Tay.
Anyone with information can contact Tayside Police on 0300 111 2222.