The UK government has unveiled a website designed to track down known sex offenders who have absconded. 

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre's Most Wanted site hosts photos, names and likely locations as well as any distinguishing marks the offenders may have.

The first five offenders, all men, have had their details posted on the site and more will follow.

"We believe this new site will be an invaluable addition to the intelligence toolkit when compiling information about child sex offenders," said Jim Gamble, chief executive of the CEOP Centre.

"It is not about publishing details of all sex offenders, as this could drive the large number of compliant offenders underground and away from effective management programmes.

"What we want to do is maximise every available opportunity to locate those offenders who are actually 'missing' in order to protect children, young people and communities."

The site is designed to catch offenders who fail to notify the police of their whereabouts. This is a statutary requirement and failing to do so is a criminal offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003. 

However, Gamble was keen to stress that if a member of the public recognises one of those listed they should not approach them and should inform the police immediately. He warned that any vigilante action would be prosecuted.

Profiles can be posted at the request of local police forces, but there is no requirement for them to do so. Details or dates of the crimes themselves are never published.