A manhunt has been launched for a former prisoner who is wanted in connection with several suspected shopliftings. 

Lee Paul Barnes, 40, is wanted on recall to prison and is currently thought to be in the Waterside area. 

He is wanted in connection with several suspected shoplifting offences that took place in October and November. 

Various lines of enquiry have been made to find him and now the police are asking for the public's help. 

READ MORE: Southampton drug dealer imported painkillers from China

Barnes is described as white, approximately 5ft 11ins tall, of medium or proportionate build with dark brown hair and brown eyes. 

A police spokesperson said: "Anyone found to be harbouring Barnes, in order to deliberately obstruct our attempts to locate him, may be committing an offence and be liable for arrest themselves."

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 44230452711.

Information can also be submitted on the Hampshire Constabulary website or anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.