A MAN is on the run after being accused of threatening to kill and assaulting his ex-partner.

Ron Taylor, 43, from Blackburn is wanted by police after allegedly harassing and assaulting a woman, also from the Blackburn area.

He was released from Kirkham Prison, near Preston, on August 31, where he had been serving a nine-year prison sentence. Police claim he has caused criminal damage since his release and say he is now wanted in connection with assault charges and threats to kill.

Sergeant Claire Holbrook, crime co-ordinator for Blackburn police said: "Although we do not believe he is an immediate danger to the public, we would advise people not to approach him and call the police on 999 straight away.

"He is from Blackburn and his family still live in the Blackburn and Darwen so we have reason to believe he is still in the area and he does know he is wanted by the police for questioning. Steps have been taken to ensure the safety of those concerned with the charges and it is extremely important that we arrest him as soon as possible." She added: "The photograph is a good likeness, although he has been seen recently with a goatee beard."

Taylor, formerly known as Straker, was convicted of attempting to smuggle 400 kilos of cannabis into Britain, with an estimated street value of £1.4 million in 1999.

Two years earlier, the lorry driver had appeared on the front page of The Lancashire Evening Telegraph, after he was cleared of attempting to smuggle cannabis worth £527,000 into Britain. That case was dropped by Portsmouth Magistrates due to lack of evidence.

Anyone with information should call the police on 999 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.