DETECTIVES are hunting two child sex offenders with links to North Yorkshire who are on the run.

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

They are said to pose a high risk to children. The pair were last seen together at Sheffield railway station.

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police 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 5ft 5ins with short whitish-grey hair. He is slim and has a pale complexion.

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

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Mann said: "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.