Wanted tattooed sex offender with links to Portsmouth arrested in Lancashire after being on the run

Richard David Layfield, 37, is a registered sex offender wanted by police for failing to comply with his notification requirements. He has links to Portsmouth, as well as Burnley in Lancashire.

Portsmouth Police initially shared a wanted appeal from Burnley and Padiham Police, which described him as having various tattoos and warning women not to approach him. The force has now confirmed that he was detained today (September 11) in Nelson, three miles north of Burnley.

“We asked for your help finding registered sex offender Richard David Layfield who we urgently needed to speak to,” the force update said. “Layfield was arrested at an address in Nelson this morning on suspicion of failing to comply with his Sex Offender Notification Requirements.

“He remains in custody at this time. Thank you to all those who shared our appeal. It is always greatly appreciated.”