Public Are Warned not to Approach Escaped Prisoner

Warwickshire Police are warning the public not to approach a prisoner who escaped from custody this morning, but to report sightings of this man immediately on 999.

A prison van was travelling on the A46 between Oversley Mill and Salford Priors just before 1100 hours this morning, when the prisoner, 23 year old Carl Townsend escaped after he tricked the guard into opening the cell door. He then he ran out of the van and went over the embankment towards Stratford Upon Avon. The guard was not injured.

He is described as white, with a stocky muscular build. He has short dark brown hair. He was wearing a white t-shirt with short sleeves and a track suit when he escaped.

The prisoner has a broken arm which was being protected by a plaster type bandage on his arm. He took this off whilst escaping and it is unclear if he has put this back on.

It is believed that Carl Townsend is serving 4 years for aggravated burglary and Police are advising members of the public not to challenge him, but to contact the police if they know of his whereabouts on 999.