Manhunt launched for escaped prisoner as public warned to not approach him

Police have urged the public not to approach an escaped prisoner after he fled from HMP Leyhill

Gary Rootham was serving sentences at the Gloucestershire prison for offences including robbery and burglary.

He was last seen at around 4.50pm on Friday by prison staff, when he was wearing a dark Nike polo shirt, dark jogging bottoms and black trainers with white soles.

Rootham is  5ft 11in tall, and has short dark brown hair and is normally clean shaven.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police urged the public not to approach Rootham if they see him, but to call 999, quoting 5224188647, if they have any information on his whereabouts. Alternatively, call 101 with other information.

The forces added that he has links to Cornwall and Reading.

Police also released an image of Rootham caught on CCTV, in which he is wearing the clothes he is thought to have escaped in.

It comes after a manhunt was launched after a prisoner escaped from HMP Wormwood Scrubs.

Graham Gomm, 63, had been on remand for burglary offences at the London prison before absconding from custody after being to Hammersmith Hospital by prison staff after being taken unwell.

The Met Police confirmed today that Gomm has since been arrested in Putney and is back in custody.

"An investigation will continue into Mr Gomm escaping lawful custody," a spokesperson said.