Child Killer Alan John Giles On The Loose

Police are hunting a child killer who is on the run from prison while serving two life sentences for kidnap and murder.

Alan John Giles, 56, fled from an "open" section of HMP Hewell, near Redditch, in Worcestershire, on Monday, West Mercia Police said.

Giles, originally from Oldbury in the West Midlands, was jailed in 1997 at Birmingham Crown Court for murdering 16-year-old Kevin Ricketts in 1995.

At the time of Giles' trial, the body of Kevin, a student from Quinton, near Birmingham, had not been found.

Appealing for the public's help to trace Giles, Detective Inspector John Cashion, of West Mercia Police, said: "We have a dedicated investigation team working expeditiously to locate and apprehend Giles, and to that end we are also liaising with our colleagues in West Midlands Police and in the Prison Service."

Police also made a direct appeal to Giles, who is eligible for consideration for parole next year, to contact police, and hand himself in.

Det Insp Cashion said: "We have information that gives us concern for his welfare and it is important that we trace him as soon as possible.

"It should be borne in mind that Giles was in an open part of the prison when he went missing.

"However, we would appeal to anyone who sees him not to approach him, but to contact police immediately on 999.

"Furthermore, we would urge anyone who may be helping him or sheltering him to contact us without delay."

Giles, who has had recent contact with family in the West Midlands, is described as white, 5ft 9in, and of proportionate build with short grey hair and blue eyes.

He has tattoos of an eagle on his back and a swallow, shark and flower on his left arm.

It is believed Giles is wearing a grey Rockport sweater, blue jeans and white Asics trainers.