A convicted paedophile from Southampton who was jailed for manslaughter in France was able to disappear on his return to Britain, it emerged today.

Police lost track of Paul Francis Turner after he was believed to have arrived back at London's Heathrow airport following his release from prison.

Officers should have been in regular contact with Turner, who was a registered sex offender.

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But Turner, who is believed to be aged in his late fifties, went missing following his release from prison in France after serving a 14-year sentence.

The last confirmed sighting of him was by French Border Police last May.

Originally from Southampton, he was convicted in the UK for possessing indecent images of children.

On June 16 1993, he was jailed for manslaughter at the Cour d'Assises de la Haute-Garonne, in Toulouse, south-west France.

Detective Superintendent Sara Glen, of Dorset Police, said: "We are very keen to find Paul Francis Turner and any help the public could give would be greatly appreciated."

Anyone with information should call police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.