OFFICERS in the county have lost track of seven registered sex offenders.

Forces across the UK do not know where 485 offenders are, with rapists and paedophiles among the “missing” sex criminals, including some who disappeared more than a decade ago.

Criminals on the sex offenders’ register are required to notify police of any changes in circumstances such as a change of address or name.

They must report to a police station every year, regardless of whether there have been any changes.

The news has provoked criticism from charity Victim Support.

Spokesperson Alex Mayes said: “These figures will potentially be very alarming to victims of sexual offences and could undermine public confidence in the criminal justice system.

“To ensure the safety and well-being of survivors of sexual offences, as well as local communities, it is vital that the police strictly monitor sex offenders.”

A spokesman for Hampshire police said: “Hampshire Constabulary invests significant resources into the protection of the public and the management of offenders - including registered sex offenders.

“We work closely with partner agencies to provide a multi-agency response to monitoring and putting measures in place to manage offenders.

“Our work in monitoring offenders indicates that these seven people are now living abroad or have returned to their country of origin.

“When offenders are missing or wanted in the UK, all police forces are alerted. If they return to the UK, there are processes in place to ensure they are brought to the attention of police and arrested where appropriate.”

The figures were revealed following Freedom of Information requests from Sky News to all police forces, showing a rise of more than 20 per cent in the last three years.

None revealed the names of those missing, claiming to so do would breach the Data Protection Act.

But some gave details of the convictions of missing sex offenders which included rape, sexual assault, grooming, possession of indecent images and exposure.

The Metropolitan Police has lost track of 227 people. Greater Manchester Police do not know the whereabouts of 19 registered sex offenders and one has been missing since 2006. In the West Midlands there are 46 missing offenders.

Police forces were asked to reveal the number of registered sex offenders whose whereabouts were unknown on January 17.

The forces were also asked when each of the sex offenders went missing and to provide their names and convictions.