A WOMAN who was convicted of burglary was released from prison five months early due to a “clerical error”.

Police are now trying to retrace Kirsty Walters, who was responsible for breaking into properties in Darwen and was sentenced to 876 days behind bars. The 29-year-old, who was not meant to be let out of HMP New Hall, in Wakefield, until March, also has connections to the Accrington area.

It comes as officers are also trying to trace seven other people who are wanted in connection with various unsolved crimes that took place across east Lancashire in December.

Walters, of no fixed address, is described as white, 5ft 1in tall, of medium build, with long blonde or dyed red hair and green eyes. She has pierced ears and bellybutton and speaks with a gruff local accent.

A police spokesman said: “Walters was released from HMP New Hall, Wakefield, due to a clerical error in October. Walters has been recalled to prison. She has previous convictions for burglary, where she targeted unsecure premises in Darwen.”

Officers also want to speak to Paul Grunshaw, 32, concerning a breach of a restraining order in the Blackburn area. He is described as 5ft 5in tall, of medium build with blue eyes and dark brown hair. He has a skull and RIP 1987-2007: Faye tattooed on the back of his neck.

Matthew Davies, 24, is wanted in connection with a breach of restraining order in Blackburn. He is described as 5ft 6in tall, of medium build with fair hair and blue eyes. Detectives think Richard Murphy, 53, could have important information about an assault in Accrington. He is described as 5ft 8in tall, of slim build with green eyes and dark brown hair. He has a Liverpool trophy and Mum and Dad tattooed on his forearm.

Jessica Elliott, 19, is wanted in connection with criminal damage and common assault in Blackburn. She is described as 5ft 2in tall, of medium build with brown eyes and dark brown hair. She has piercings in her nose, tongue and lips.

Simon Raith, 24, could have information about criminal damage in Accrington. He is described as of medium build with brown eyes and brown hair. He has a scar to the right side of his forehead.

Ian Shepherd, 30, is wanted in connection with an assault in the Burnley area. He is described as being of medium build, 5ft 6in tall, with hazel eyes and dark brown hair. He has SEP tattooed on the back of his neck, Leo and a date on the middle of his lower back and Taya Leigh, a Celtic cross and RIP Dad tattooed on his left arm.

And Daniel Cowburn, 29, is believed to have information about an assault in Colne. He is described as of medium build, 6ft 1in tall with blue eyes and dark brown hair. He has a tattoo of an England flag on the back of his neck. Sgt Andy Horne said: “We are asking the public for their help in tracing them and if anyone has seen them or knows where they are I would urge them to contact us.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.