POLICE have had sightings of the escaped killer of Southampton teenager Shaun Fitzpatrick, back in his old haunts in the city.

Patrick D'arcy, 20, pictured, has been spotted in several locations in Southampton and in the New Forest since absconding from Dorset's Portland Young Offenders' In-stitution.

He was sentenced to eight years inside for stabbing to death 18-year-old Shaun with a kitchen knife in 1999. But, as revealed in yesterday's Daily Echo, he failed to return from a prison day release at the weekend.

Initially, authorities feared he might return to Southampton. Now they have had it confirmed.

Det Sgt Simon Baker said: "We have had sightings all over Southampton and the New Forest from members of the public and they are being followed up."

In a message for D'arcy via the Daily Echo, Det Sgt Baker said: "I would ask him to hand himself in so he can complete his sentence - it's no kind of life looking over your shoulder all the time. Experience has told us that people like him are usually caught and caught quickly and it would look better if he were to hand himself in."

D'arcy stabbed Shaun in the heart after the pair had a row in the street on the Harefield Estate. He died of a severed artery shortly afterwards. A jury cleared D'arcy of murder, but convicted him of manslaughter on the grounds of provocation.

Members of the public have seen D'arcy back in the Northam area of the city, where he lived before being sentenced.

Detectives are warning the public to stay away if they see him and to report it immediately.

"Although D'arcy is deemed by the Prison Service to no longer present a danger to the public, he has in the past had the potential for violence and we would advise anyone who thinks they see him not to approach him, but to call us straight away with any sightings," said Det Insp Dick Pearson.

"We ask the public to help us recapture this man, and appeal to anyone who knows where he is to get in touch so that we can ensure a speedy return to prison."

Call Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.