A dangerous child sex offender is on the loose after going missing from Dover.

Detectives fear John Archer Barnett - also known as John Owen - might befriend a family so he can abuse a youngster.

The 62-year-old, who has a drooping face and beer belly, disappeared from Dover in April.

Kent Police are now appealing for help in catching Barnett - pictured left - and admit they do not know his whereabouts.

He is a registered sex offender jailed for four years in 2003 after being convicted of an indecent assault on an eight year-old-boy.

Barnett was last seen by his landlord in Dover on April 14 and is now believed to be travelling around the UK.

He fled after social services intervened when police became concerned he was becoming too close to a family with children.

Kent Police have established Barnett has visited Dartford, London, Brighton, Bournemouth, Blackpool and Scarborough - but do not know where he is now.

He has failed to tell police about his new address and is wanted for breaching the notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act.

Barnett is described as white, about 5ft 8in with a beer belly and grey receding hair and beard.

He has eagle tattoos on both arms and might be wearing a hearing aid.

Barnett is a smoker and drinks whisky. He also has an eczema-type skin condition visible on both his forearms and hands.

One side of his face droops after he suffered a stroke a few years ago.

Detectives believe Barnett might have also shaved his head and beard to disguise his appearance.

Anyone with information is asked to phone DS Ren Johnson or Jodie Strickett on 01227 868049 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.