Cops hunt for inmate who fled in handcuffs

PUBLIC URGED NOT TO APPROACH ON-THE-RUN PRISONER WHO MADE ESCAPE FROM HOSPITAL DURING TREATMENT

- JAMES HOLT & JOSEPH TIMAN

POLICE were searching for a prisoner last night after he went on the run from Salford Royal Hospital.

Jonathan Windsor, 31, 'escaped lawful custody' while being 'escorted by prison staff, Greater Manchester Police confirmed yesterday.

The public have been urged not to approach him and to report any sightings immediately.

A major search was launched after Windsor, a prisoner at HMP Forest Bank, went on the run while under escort after being treated at the hospital site on Stott Lane.

He is known to have links across the northwest and south Manchester.

A police helicopter was circling the area, near to the De La Salle playing fields, throughout yesterday afternoon, with officers also seen in attendance along nearby Lancaster Road and Wilton Road carrying out enquiries.

Forest Bank Prison, a Category B men's private prison in Pendlebury, said they were 'aware of the incident' involving a prisoner who was 'under escort' at the local hospital, but declined to comment further.