AN EAST Lancashire paedophile named as one of Britain's most wanted' child sex offenders is still on the run.

A nationwide manhunt is continuing for Joshua Karney, who disappeared while on licence after being released from jail to stay at a bail hostel.

In a pioneering move Karney, jailed for indecently assaulting a 14-year-old boy from Barnoldswick, was among five offenders named on the Crimestoppers website for going on the run.

One of those named has since handed himself in to police.

The website move is the first time law enforcement agencies have published the details of sex attackers in such a way.

Karney, 28, who has connections across East Lancashire, was jailed on November 28, 2002, for plying a boy with cider and trying to grope and have sex with him.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Karney moved to the Pendle town and was camping when he attacked his victim.

He was jailed for 15 months, given and extended licence of two years, banned from working with children and ordered to sign the Sex Offenders' Register for 10 years, after admitting indecent assault.

He was released in April 2003 after serving four months and ordered to travel to a bail hostel in Blackburn, but failed to turn up.

He has not been seen since.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "Joshua Karney is still among the people on the Crimestoppers website and is still outstanding.

"If anyone has any information about his whereabouts they should contact us or Crimestoppers."

A spokesman for Crimestoppers said they had received alot of hits on the website, but they were unable to give individual figures for Karney.