Manhunt As Killer Goes On Run From Prison

A convicted murderer is on the run after slipping away from prison guards during a visit to Rochdale town centre.

Paul Maxwell, 49, absconded while on day release from prison, where he is serving a life sentence for killing an 85-year-old.

Inspector Niall Pawson, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "While we do not believe Paul Maxwell presents a significant threat to the public, he is unlawfully at large and he needs to be returned to prison.

"I would ask anyone with information about where he currently is, has been or could be heading to contact us in confidence."

Maxwell, who has links to Rochdale and Tameside, was jailed in 1996 for killing Joe Smales during a robbery in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

He is described as white, about 5ft 7in tall, of medium build with short brown hair and blue eyes. He wears glasses and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a grey fleece top and white training shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or 0161 856 4473 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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