Advertisement

Manhunt As Violent Robber Escapes Prison

Manhunt As Violent Robber Escapes Prison

A violent convict is on the run from prison after walking out with a group of visitors.

Police are hunting Haroon Ahmed, who escaped from HMP Dovegate, near Marchington in Staffordshire, on Wednesday afternoon.

It is understood he managed to leave the high-security prison, which is run by private firm Serco, among a group of people who had visited him, despite being on a "watch list".

Members of the public have been urged not to approach the 26-year-old if they see him, but to call 999 instead.

Ahmed, who was jailed for robbery, is described as Asian, 6ft tall and thin.

He has short black hair and was last seen wearing jeans and a grey T-shirt.

Ahmed is believed to be in the Derby area, where he is from.

His brother, Majeed Ahmed, 25, of Clarence Road, Derby, has been charged with assisting a prisoner in escaping from prison.

He has been released on bail to appear before magistrates in Burton on 25 June.

A black Volkswagen Golf recovered as part of the investigation has been forensically examined.

Michael Guy, Serco's director at HMP Dovegate, said: "We are taking this extremely seriously and I have commissioned an urgent investigation into the circumstances of the escape.

"We are working closely with the police to identify what went wrong and to address any failings."

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "Escapes from prison custody are extremely rare but we take each one incredibly seriously. Public protection is our top priority.

"A prisoner at HMP Dovegate was found to be missing on Wednesday 27 May.

"We are working closely with the police as part of their investigation."

HMP Dovegate was criticised by the Chief Inspector of Prisons in a report published on Friday.

It found there were high levels of violence in the jail and said visiting arrangements were poor.

:: Anyone who knows where Ahmed is should call Staffordshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.