FAMILY of a woman found dead at a sex offender’s home feel “angry and let down” by police.

Richard Scatchard, 70, has been on the run for three months following the death of Kelly Faiers, 61, which is being treated as a murder inquiry.

Former Thelwall resident Scatchard was convicted of eight offences at then-Warrington Crown Court in 2000.

He had since moved to Minehead in Somerset, with Kelly’s body found at his home in the early hours of October 15.

Officers attended and spoke with Scatchard before leaving the scene but when they returned later in the day, Scatchard had disappeared.

Her family have now submitted a formal complaint, furious that the police “allowed” him to go missing.

"We were annoyed that we weren't told the second they realised it was suspicious," daughter Jazz Faiers, 27, told the BBC.

In 2000, Scatchard, admitted to three charges of drugging his victims, two charges of indecent assault, one attempted rape, one charge of theft and one charge of burglary.

Kelly’s family claim Scatchard visited their mother’s home, where Jazz also lived, on multiple occasions.

"When they released his surname I was at work. I saw it on Facebook and started googling his name. That's how we found out about Richard Scatchard's convictions as a sex offender," Jazz said.

Kelly's son Mike Faiers, 25, added that it was "shocking and upsetting" to find out this way, and that neither they or their mum had any idea of his past.

Warrington Guardian: Scatchard has not been seen since October 16Scatchard has not been seen since October 16 (Image: SWNS)

Despite more than 300 lines of inquiry, including speaking to witnesses and reviewing CCTV - there have been no confirmed sightings and as such, specialist search teams have been brought in.

Meanwhile, Avon and Somerset Police have voluntarily referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and an inquiry will take place in coming weeks.

Superintendent Lisa Simpson said: “We have spoken with both Kelly’s family and Scatchard’s and been honest with them that there have been three months without proof of him being alive and that is an extremely long time.

“While these searches are partly being carried out with that in mind, we remain open-minded that Scatchard may well still be alive and do not give up hope someone can provide crucial information that leads to his arrest.”

In relation to the family's complaint, a spokesperson for the force said: "Our Professional Standards Department was made aware of the incident and our response at an early stage and we will assist the Independent Office for Police Conduct in any way we can in relation to the complaint received."