The move is thought to be the first case of its kind under the new Crime and Disorder Act.

North of England Correspondent John Thorne: Police must show people are still at risk

Michael Gordon, 35, was one of two men convicted after a series of rapes 10 years ago of young female students in the university bedsit district In Manchester.

He served eight years of a 12-year sentence, but now that he is free and back in Manchester, the police are seeking a sex offenders order from a magistrate on Wednesday under the Crime and Disorder Act.

Michael Gordon: Free and back in Manchester

It could mean that Michael Gordon would subjected to a curfew forcing him to stay at home every night from 2200 until 0700.

But for magistrates to impose the order for a period up to five years, police must show that Mr Gordon's behaviour means the public could still be at risk.

Neither Mr Gordon, nor his solicitor, has commented publicly but it is understood they will argue in court that he has done nothing since his release from prison to justify a curfew.