Police are hunting for a 'dangerous ' convicted killer who absconded from the accommodation where he was living while on probation . William Kerr , 53 , was jailed for life in 1998 for the murder of 43-year-old Maureen Comfort , whose body was found in a cupboard in her flat in Leeds . He was released on licence from HMP Stocken , Rutland , on January 23 this year and moved to approved accommodation in Hull . On the run : Convicted killer William Kerr , 53 , pictured , was jailed for life in 1998 for the murder of 43-year-old Maureen Comfort , whose body was found in a cupboard in her flat in Leeds . Kerr now needs to be arrested and returned to prison as ' a matter of urgency ' , police said , after he breached his licence conditions by absconding from his residence . Members of public are being asked not to approach Kerr if they see them , and instead to call the police immediately on 999 . Kerr was jailed along with co-defendant Christopher Moody . According to court papers , Ms Comfort was last seen alive on December 4 1995 . Relatives found her strangled body on January 8 1996 . Victim : The strangled body of Maureen Comfort , pictured , was found in a cupboard in her Leeds flat . The National Offender Management Service contacted North Yorkshire Police for assistance after Kerr absconded from approved premises in Hull . North Yorkshire Police are leading the search for Kerr as his probation officer is based in Selby , North Yorkshire , but a spokesman said there is no evidence to suggest he is in the county . Kerr is also known to have links to the Humberside , West Yorkshire and London areas , police said . Detective Inspector Eamonn Clarke , of North Yorkshire Police , said : 'To assist our already extensive efforts to trace William Kerr , I am urging people to keep an eye out for the man in the photographs . 'We ask that you do not approach Kerr , as he is considered dangerous . You should contact the police straight away on 999 and officers will be despatched to arrest him or investigate the sighting . ' Mr Clarke said he is also appealing directly to Kerr . The officer said : 'William , you know you have breached your licence conditions , and by continuing to do so you are only making things worse . 'It is now time to do the right thing and hand yourself in to the police . ' He urged anyone with information to call 999 and pass details to North Yorkshire Police stating the 'William Kerr appeal ' . He said people could also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 , quoting North Yorkshire Police reference number 12150049525 and saying it is 'urgent ' .
Maureen Comfort was jailed for life for the murder of William Kerr in 1998 . He was released on licence in January and moved to probation hostel . The 53-year-old absconded and needs to be arrested and returned to jail .