Brian Anthony Ward is wanted by Welsh police.

Police are hunting a convicted British child molester amid fears that he may be seeking refuge on the island.

Brian Anthony Ward, 57, is wanted by police in South Wales after going on the run half way through his trial for a series of indecent assaults on a minor.

The Welsh authorities issued a public appeal for information on Mr Ward shortly after he absconded. “He has links to Cardiff and Pontyclun in South Wales as well as London but the police believe he may have travelled to Malta, where he also has connections,” they said.

Asked for more details on his Maltese connection, the Welsh authorities said he had family ties to the island but would not comment further.

A spokesman for the Malta police confirmed they had been alerted about the case and were looking into whether Mr Ward had fled here.

The spokesman also declined to comment further, insisting it was “not prudent” to divulge additional information.

Mr Ward’s trial began at Newport Crown Court in South Wales in November. He was placed on bail but fled the country and was found guilty in absentia.

A warrant was issued for his immediate arrest but he remains on the run.

A Facebook group called UK Database For Sex Offences Against Children is also appealing for information on Mr Ward, raising concerns that he may strike again.

Commenting on the group, Patricia Anning said: “I visited Malta and it was a safe place. I hope that if he is there, he is found before he does any more damage.”