A man who slashed a 15-year-old boy with a knife in a racist attack may be hiding in Herne Bay after fleeing while on special release from prison.

Jerry Monerville, 49, was jailed for eight years in June 2011 after pinning an Asian teenager to the floor and slicing his cheek open.

He and accomplice Shane Doyle, 26, even rifled through the boy's pockets and stole his mobile phone.

When the victim asked why he was being attacked, Monerville, who was armed with a stun gun, said: “It’s because you’re a f***ing Paki.”

But on Friday he was given permission to leave prison and go to an address in London and failed to return as expected at 3.30pm yesterday.

It has not been revealed why he was allowed out for four days.

Police have tried to trace him overnight without success and have issued an appeal to find him.

He is described as white, of thin build with brown eyes and black hair, and has connections with Herne Bay.

Police say anyone who sees Monerville should call 101, but should not approach him or take any other action.