A 26-YEAR-OLD man previously convicted of a stabbing has failed to return to HMP Thorn Cross after being released on temporary licence.

Lee Francis Jones was given an indeterminate sentence in 2007 after being convicted of an unprovoked stabbing of a man in Nelson.

But while in prison, in 2009, he was given a further indeterminate sentence for stabbing and slashing a fellow inmate.

He was released on temporary licence to an address in Blackburn but has failed to return to HMP Thorn Cross in Appleton Thorn, off Arley Road.

Police have now launched an appeal to trace him.

Jones is known to have links to both Nelson, where he is originally from, and Burnley.

He is described as white, around 5ft 9ins, of slim build, with short fair hair, blue eyes and a fair complexion.

PC Fiona Barlow, from Burnley Police, said: "We are urging anyone who may have seen Jones or knows of his whereabouts to get in touch with us.

"We would urge the public not to approach him but to call us instead.

"If Jones himself sees this appeal I would advise him to hand himself in to his nearest police station before he makes matters even worse for himself."

Anyone who has information that could help us find Jones is asked to call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.