1 June 2012 Last updated at 08:37 ET

Sex offender absconds from North Sea Camp

John Whiteside has tattoos on his arms and neck

A convicted sex offender is being sought after absconding from an open prison in Lincolnshire.

John Whiteside, age 46, failed to return to HMP North Sea Camp, near Boston, following a day release on Thursday, police said.

Whiteside, originally from Leicestershire, is serving a life sentence. He is 6ft (1.82m) tall, of average build, with black hair.

He also has a number of distinctive tattoos on his arms and neck.

His left arm has a tattoo of a peacock with a swallow, a heart and the name John on his right arm.

He has the names John, Sam, Kath and Kevin on his neck.

Officers have advised anyone who sees Whiteside, or has knowledge of his whereabouts, not to approach him but to contact Lincolnshire Police immediately.