IVAN LEACH AKA LEE CYRUS: DANGEROUS SEX OFFENDER ON THE RUN FROM HAMSTEAD HEATH TO LONDON AND BEYOND

In December 2013, a notorious sex offender and violent criminal, Ivan Leach, also known as Lee Cyrus, was sentenced to life imprisonment after a series of heinous crimes committed across London, including the Hampstead Heath area, and other parts of the country. The case drew widespread attention due to his dangerous behavior, extensive criminal history, and the fact that he had escaped from lawful custody while on a day release from HMP North Sea Camp, a prison located in Boston, Lincolnshire.

Leach, aged 48 at the time, had been missing since his escape in October 2012. His disappearance triggered a large-scale police manhunt involving over fifty detectives and numerous law enforcement agencies across the UK. The authorities believed he was responsible for a string of serious sexual offenses, assaults, and robberies, many targeting elderly victims in their own homes. His criminal activities spanned decades, with a documented history of targeting vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly, in various locations including London, Lincolnshire, and Scotland.

During his time on the run, Leach, operating under the alias Lee Cyrus, engaged in multiple violent and sexual attacks. One of the most disturbing incidents occurred in Hampstead Heath, North London, where he attacked a 63-year-old woman. After ringing her doorbell, he assaulted her with a piece of wood or stone, causing a deep laceration measuring approximately 1.5 centimeters on her head. The attack was brutal and exemplified his pattern of targeting lone, vulnerable women in open spaces or within their homes.

Further investigations revealed that Leach had also indecently exposed himself to women in various locations, including Lincolnshire's Boston Cemetery and the Hampstead Heath area. One such incident involved a 52-year-old woman who was subjected to this indecent exposure. Police reports indicated that he had also approached two schoolgirls at a bus stop in Preston, Lancashire, making sexual remarks and attempting to engage them in inappropriate activities. These incidents underscored his predatory nature and the danger he posed to the public.

Leach's criminal record is extensive, with convictions dating back to 1980. His past offenses include a 14-month sentence in 1999 for unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl, during which he reportedly spiked her drink and threatened her with death if she disclosed the incident. In 2005, he received a life sentence for robbing a 90-year-old woman, with a minimum tariff of five years. His history also includes burglaries, assaults, and other violent crimes targeting elderly victims. Notably, in 1984, he was jailed for seven years for robbing and assaulting a 79-year-old woman in her sheltered accommodation.

Since his escape, authorities have linked him to a series of other offenses, including grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and knifepoint robbery, all committed in November 2012. These crimes involved threatening a woman with a large knife and stealing valuables from her home. He was also involved in a separate incident in October 2012, where he threatened a woman with a 12-inch knife in Hampstead Heath, further demonstrating his violent tendencies.

Leach's movements have been tracked across the UK, with sightings reported in various locations such as Waverley Park, Ribbleton, and Preston city center. Despite these reports, he remains at large, with police warning the public not to approach him under any circumstances. Law enforcement officials believe he may be sleeping rough or hiding in rural areas, and they continue to investigate possible sightings and intelligence reports. The police have issued numerous appeals, urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that any assistance could be crucial in apprehending this dangerous individual.

Authorities have also expressed concern that Leach might be receiving shelter from individuals unwilling to cooperate with law enforcement. They have warned that harboring a fugitive of his profile is a serious offense and have encouraged anyone in such a situation to contact the police. Over 500 posters have been distributed across Preston and surrounding areas to aid in his capture. The police have also deployed armed officers to areas where sightings have been reported, including supermarkets, parks, and residential neighborhoods.

Leach's criminal history and recent activities have caused widespread fear and anxiety among residents. Despite the extensive police effort, he remains elusive, with ongoing investigations spanning multiple regions, including Tayside in Scotland, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire. Law enforcement officials continue to follow up on every lead, including sightings in Kinnoull and Potterhill Gardens, where he was reportedly seen wearing muddy waterproofs and carrying a rucksack. The police have described him as a white male, approximately five feet eleven inches tall, of stocky build, with cropped hair and hazel eyes. They warn the public that he is extremely dangerous and should not be approached.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Dawson of Preston Police emphasized the threat Leach poses, stating, “Leach is an extremely dangerous and predatory individual who poses a serious threat to members of the public. We believe he could be sleeping rough and traveling extensively throughout the country. We are liaising with other forces to track him down, but we need the public’s help. If you see him or have any information, please contact us immediately.” The police continue to urge vigilance, advising people to lock their doors and windows, avoid walking alone with earphones, and report any sightings or suspicious activity. The case remains active, with law enforcement determined to bring Ivan Leach, aka Lee Cyrus, to justice and ensure public safety.