Urgent manhunt launched after prisoner escapes in London

People are asked not to approach him

Graham Gomm, 63, had been on remand for burglary offences at HMP Wormwood Scrubs.

However, he managed to abscond from custody after he was taken to Hammersmith Hospital by prison staff yesterday after being taken unwell.

Police were alerted around 01:18 BST on Thursday, 18 July, that Gomm had absconded, the BBC reports.

He was last seen wearing a greay T-shirt and grey tracksuit.

The Metropolitan Police has said officers are "carrying out searches, working closely with partners, conducting CCTV enquiries and have visited a number of addresses linked to Gomm."

The force added that detectives are concerned for Gomm's welfare as he was undergoing medical care before he escaped.

The Met added there is "nothing to suggest that Gomm is a threat to the public" but that if anyone sees him they are asked not to approach him and should call 999.

Information on his whereabouts can also be shared with police via 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting reference CAD0481/18JUL24.

More to follow.