One of Sussex’s most wanted men rang The Argus yesterday to say he will hand himself in.

Ross Macpherson told our reporter he was on the run because he did not like being separated from family and friends.

Macpherson, originally from Shoreham, refused to reveal his exact location but said police were not going to find him.

Aman hunt was launched and officers appealed for information last week confirming his rating as one of the most high-risk criminals not in prison.

When he absconded a police spokesman said: “Macpherson is a dangerous and violent individual and we are focusing our resources to try and find him as soon as possible.

“He may be in possession of a bladed weapon and I would therefore urge members of the public not to approach him but call police immediately if they see him.”

But Mr Macpherson yesterday said: “I am not the most dangerous criminal in the county.

The police have over-exaggerated. I stabbed someone when I was 16. That does not make me the most dangerous person in Sussex.”

The Argus asked the man a series of questions the answers to which have not been released publicly.

Macpherson breached his bail conditions by walking out of a hostel in Guildford, Surrey, and catching a train last week.

Officers in riot gear searched homes in Sussex thought to be linked to the wanted man.

The 22-year-old said: “All the police have done is push and push. They do not like me. I haven’t done anything else. I am not dangerous and I am not carrying a knife.

“The police say I am the most dangerous person? Well what about murderers?”

He boasted that the police “will never catch me,” adding that the first 48 hours were the most important and that the police had failed to find him.

He added: “I know all the houses that they are searching but I have decided to hand myself in. I will be back in prison.”

He gave details of the original offence, naming the victim, and explaining how he stabbed another teenager following a “verbal disagreement”. He said he did not advocate attacking people.

Macpherson was sentenced for this offence, grievous bodily harm, to six years in prison in 2006.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman last night said: “We are grateful that Macpherson has informed us that he is safe and well by contacting the media but we would encourage him to contact police directly so that we can make arrangements for his arrest.

“Macpherson is wanted for recall to prison after breaching the conditions of his licence whilst on probation.

“He is a dangerous offender and we will continue to work to establish his whereabouts.

“Anyone with information about where he may be is asked to contact Sussex Police urgently on 101.”