Police expand search for rapist

Police have warned anyone who sees Hussain not to approach him

Police hunting a convicted rapist who escaped from immigration staff on Friday are liaising with officers in Derbyshire, where he last lived.

Imtiaz Hussain, 44, ran off from the Pakistan High Commission in Lowndes Square, central London, while being served with a deportation order.

He was serving a prison sentence in the north of England after being convicted of rape and false imprisonment.

The Metropolitan Police described him as "very dangerous".

A spokeswoman for the force said Hussain escaped at about 1435 GMT on Friday and was seen running through nearby Sloane Square.

'Numerous inquiries'

She said he was at the commission because he is due to be deported at the end of his sentence.

She added: "Officers are making numerous inquiries to trace Hussain and are in close liaison with their counterparts in Derbyshire - where he had resided prior to his imprisonment."

Det Ch Insp Brent Lancaster said: "This individual is believed to very dangerous and we need to apprehend him as soon as possible.

"If anyone sees him, please don't approach him, but call or alert police immediately."

Hussain is described as about 5ft 5in (1.67m) tall, of medium to chubby build, with dark cropped hair. He was wearing a blue T-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers.