Police are searching for more victims of a convicted paedophile who lived in Newquay for two years in the late 1990s.

Benjamin Mercer was yesterday found guilty of 13 sexual offences against vulnerable boys aged between five and sixteen, with the most recent occurring in Newquay in 2000.

Mercer was sentenced to 17 years in prison by a judge at Hull Crown Court, and most of the offences occurred throughout the 1990s in the Hornsea area of East Yorkshire, but police believe he may have committed more offences in the Hornsea, Newquay and Brighton areas and are urging victims to come forward.

Detective Inspector Emma Heatley said Mercer moved to Newquay in 1998, before moving to the Brighton area in 2000, and police are encouraging further victims to contact them, "no matter how historic" the offence, to ensure he is brought justice for all his offending.

She said: "This is a fantastic result for Mercer’s victims, which showcased the hard work and dedication of the Protecting Vulnerable People team and has seen a dangerous predator taken off the streets.

"Mercer was found guilty of 13 of the 15 charges brought against him, which shows the criminal justice system treats offending of this nature very seriously.

“Mercer was arrested in Hornsea in 1998, however there was insufficient evidence to charge him with any offences at that time. Subsequently, further victims and information were reported to the police which have led to Mercer being imprisoned for 17 years.

“He is clearly a sexual predator and we believe there may be more victims of Mercer over the last 20 years."

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Benjamin Mercer is asked to call Humberside Police on 101.