Police have warned anyone who sees Hussain not to approach him

Police are searching for a convicted rapist who escaped from immigration officials in London while being served with a deportation order.

Imtiaz Hussain, 44, escaped from the Pakistan High Commission in Lowndes Square, central London and was seen running through nearby Sloane Square.

He was serving a prison sentence in the north of England after being convicted of rape and false imprisonment.

The Metropolitan Police described him as "very dangerous".

A spokeswoman for the force said Hussain escaped at around 1435 GMT on Friday.

She said he was at the commission because he is due to be deported at the end of his sentence.

Det Ch Insp Brent Lancaster said: "This individual is believed to very dangerous and we need to apprehend him as soon as possible.

"If anyone sees him, please don't approach him, but call or alert police immediately."

Hussain is described as around 5ft 5in (1.67m) tall, of medium to chubby build, with dark cropped hair. He was wearing a blue T-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers.