11.40am update
THE POLICE manhunt for a missing sex offender stepped up a gear this morning with revelations the missing man is wanted in connection with a murder.
Speaking at a press conference in Leeds this morning, Det Supt Paul Taylor said: "Peter McDonagh, 44, is a registered sex offender who went missing from a West Yorkshire hostel on 11 February, 2009.
"I can now tell you that Mr McDonagh is also wanted in connection with the murder of Michaela Hague, who was stabbed to death in Sheffield on 5 November, 2001.
"We are obviously keen to trace Mr McDonagh, as we believe he may have vital information in respect of that murder enquiry
"Mr McDonagh was released from prison in September 2008 to a hostel in West Yorkshire following an eight-year sentence for a knifepoint rape committed in the Holbeck area of Leeds in 2002.
"He also has previous convictions for offences committed in York and Ireland.
"In 2001, he was convicted of the false imprisonment of a woman, for which he received a two year sentence and in 1997 he indecently assaulted a hitch hiker he had picked up.
"After his release from prison in 2008 Mr McDonagh was in hostel accommodation and under supervision. Prior to his disappearance he was compliant with the conditions, which included a night curfew and regularly visits by police and Probation. We understand he had a minor dispute with staff at the hostel shortly before his disappearance."
Police relased a CCTV video of McDonagh which shows him, on the right hand side of the screen, entering a store. They also released a new picture of him.
"When he left the hostel he left behind medication, and without this his behaviour is likely to become more unpredictable.
"He is considered a danger to the public, particularly to women, and may also be a danger to himself.
"Extensive enquiries have been made to trace Mr McDonagh since February 11, when he went missing and there have been positive sightings of him outside Manchester Piccadilly Station (8.20-8.30pm Feb 11) where he took a taxi to Carlisle. He is believed to have stayed overnight in Carlisle before travelling to Aberdeen by train, arriving there at around midday.
"The last confirmed sighting of him is in Aberdeen.
"When he left the hostel at 6pm on February 11th, he was wearing a black parka-style jacket and stone coloured trousers, which we know he was wearing when he was sighted in Carlisle.
"He is described as white, 5ft 11ins tall, stocky, with a full, long beard and moustache. He wears glasses and speaks with an Irish accent.
"Enquiries are being carried out in Aberdeen and in other areas of Scotland to trace Mr McDonagh, and an incident room staffed by officers from West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire Police has been set up.
"If members of the public see him, they should not approach him but ring 999, the incident room on 01274 37 37 37 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
POLICE have stepped up their hunt for a dangerous sex offender who escaped from a West Yorkshire hostel.
Officer have have now taken the decision to release photos of him.
Peter McDonagh, 44, is said to be a danger to the public, especially women.
He is white, 5ft 11ins tall, stocky, with a full, long beard and moustache. He wears glasses and speaks with an Irish accent.
He should not be approached and anyone who sees him is urged to ring 999, the police incident room on 01274 373737 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
