Urgent manhunt for escaped prisoner on the run as police warn public not to approach him

An urgent manhunt has been issued after a prisoner escaped and is on the run, with police warning the public not to approach him.

Gary Rootham, 42, absconded from HMP Leyhill, in South Gloucestershire on Friday.

He was serving sentences for matters including driving, robbery and burglary.

The 42-year-old was last seen by prison staff at around 4.50pm wearing a dark Nike polo shirt, jogging bottoms and black trainers with white soles.

He is 5ft 11ins tall, has short dark brown hair and is usually clean shaven.

He has links to Reading and Cornwall.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “If you see Rootham, please don’t approach.”

The force has urged anyone with information about Rootham’s whereabouts to call 999.

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This comes after an inmate who went on the run in London was recaptured by the police.

Graham Gomm escaped in the early hours Thursday morning after he had been taken to hospital to receive medical attention.

The inmate was found in Putney, South West London, at 8.30am this morning.

The Met said Gomm was caught following a coordinated police operation working alongside the HM Prison Service.

Police launched an urgent manhunt for the prisoner and warned members of the public not to approach him, similarly to Rootham.

An investigation will continue into his escape, officers have said.