The Met Police is carrying out a cull of outstanding warrants across all departments

Suspected paedophiles, sex pests and violent attackers who have absconded could be let off the hook after a review of warrants by the Metropolitan Police.

The force is carrying out a cull of outstanding warrants across all departments, including its child sex abuse unit, The Times has learnt.

Cases will be reviewed if they are more than three years old and among the factors being considered is whether the suspect is abroad, the Met said.

There are about 7,000 outstanding warrants in the London area which relate to suspects who failed to attend magistrates’ court after being charged.

The Met said that it would consider lifting the threat of arrest if the alleged offence was minor enough to have been dealt with by magistrates or