A MAJOR manhunt for a sex attacker has focused on Burnley after a suspect was spotted in the town.

David Laing Taylor, 47, was filmed on CCTV drawing benefits at the town’s main post office in Hargreaves Street, at 9.30am on Tuesday, police said.

The manhunt was launched after a 23-year-old woman was sexually assaulted near to the Leeds and Liverpool canal at Armley, Leeds, on Monday, July 19.

West Yorkshire Police said they believed Mr Taylor may have important information about the attack.

Lancashire Police are assisting their colleagues from the Homicide and Major Inquiry Team in the search and used the force helicopter.

Det Insp Lloyd Batley said: “We want to trace David Laing Taylor as a matter of urgency and it is possible that he may still be in the Burnley area.

“Anyone who sees him is asked not to approach him but to contact police immediately.”

Police have released CCTV images of Mr Taylor, who is from the Chapeltown area of Leeds, in the post office.

He is described as white, around 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall, with very short cropped dark greying hair and tattoos on his arms.

He was last known to be wearing a white Nike t-shirt with a blue or grey band across the chest, light faded blue jeans and white Reebok trainers.

In the latest images, Mr Taylor is pictured wearing a dark coloured jacket but is thought to be wearing the same white Reebok trainers.

Mr Taylor is also believed to have connections in the Skipton area and Teesside.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 6060606 or 0845 1253545.