DETECTIVES are tonight hunting two convicted sex offenders who pose a high risk to children.

William Bailey, 58, and Joseph Taylor, 27, who were recently released from prison, absconded from addresses in Rotherham and York last night.

They were last seen together at Sheffield railway station at about 8.15pm, South Yorkshire Police said.

A force spokesman said: "Both Bailey and Taylor have previous convictions for sexual offences and are assessed as posing a high risk to the public, especially to children."

Bailey is described as 5ft 5ins tall with short whitish-grey hair slim build and a pale complexion.

Taylor is described as 5ft 5ins to 5ft 8ins tall, with short straight dark hair. He is Hispanic in appearance and quietly spoken.

The two men are known to have links with numerous parts of the country, specifically in North Yorkshire and Essex, police said.

Other forces and agencies have been alerted to the situation and a multi-agency operation is under way to trace the men.

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Mann said: "There is no intelligence to suggest these men have gone missing in order to commit offences, but clearly we are concerned and want to trace them.

"A significant operation is under way and we would be grateful for public vigilance and support."

He urged anyone with information about the men to contact police on 0500 510 999.