A "significant" search is underway to find a man charged with sexual offences after he escaped from police while receiving treatment in hospital. 

Daryl Taylor, 33, from Ipswich, is wanted by police after absconding from Ipswich Hospital following his arrest on Sunday night.

Taylor was arrested as he was wanted on recall to prison after breaching the terms of his licence. He was then charged with seven sexual offences.

Superintendent Andy Martin, of Suffolk police, has issued an appeal for help from the public in the search for Taylor.

"It was during [supervision in hospital] that he managed to abscond from police and we suspect he had assistance from four other people, all of which were arrested promptly at the scene," Supt Martin said.

Superintendent Andy MartinSuperintendent Andy Martin (Image: Newsquest)

A large manhunt is now underway to find Taylor, who has been described as white, about 5ft 9ins tall, of stocky build, with short brown hair and a beard. He has tattoos on his face, neck, arms and legs.

Supt Martin added: "We are really appealing to members of the public to provide any information they have got. He is a really well-known individual with a lot of people who may know where he may be hiding. 

"He is wanted for prison recall and to go to court for a number of outstanding offences, and so it is for all of us collectively to support that manhunt and bring him to justice. 

"People may see some increased police activity as a result of the manhunt some of that will be local to places he is known to visit, like Hollesley Bay Prison and Ipswich. However, this may also be further afield as we will be reacting to intelligence we have available. 

"It is our belief that Daryl's attentions by and large is to evade capture, so it is likely that he will be doing everything he can to evade police rather than commit further crimes. 

"However, we never recommend to the public that they approach someone we are seeking. Instead they should call police and we can answer that call and act on it accordingly."

When Taylor absconded from the hospital, he was wearing a black and grey North Face jumper and matching jogging bottoms and black Adidas sliders.

Anyone with information regarding Taylor’s present whereabouts is asked to contact Suffolk police on 999, quoting reference number 45508/24.