UK

Police hunt for killer on the loose after escape from custody

Shaun Walmsley whom police are hunting after two armed men helped him escape custody while on a hospital visit in Liverpool
Shaun Walmsley whom police are hunting after two armed men helped him escape custody while on a hospital visit in Liverpool Shaun Walmsley whom police are hunting after two armed men helped him escape custody while on a hospital visit in Liverpool

A MURDERER who was serving a minimum of 30 years in prison was on the run last night after two armed men helped him escape during an escorted hospital visit.

Shaun Colin Walmsley (28) fled from outside Aintree University Hospital as he was getting into a car with prison officers.

Merseyside Police said two men believed to be armed with a gun and a knife, threatened the officers and demanded they release Walmsley, before making off in a gold-coloured Volvo.

Walmsley was remanded in custody at HMP Liverpool after being sentenced to life imprisonment in June 2015, with a 30-year tariff, for the murder of Anthony Duffy.

Neither of the prison guards were hurt during the incident that took place after Walmsley's appointment.

The second man was believed to be armed with a knife.

A manhunt was under way and police were carrying out a search of the area.

The public were warned not to approach the escapee – described as dangerous – as he could also be in the company of the armed men who ambushed the car.

An investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is ongoing and Merseyside Police is working with the Ministry of Justice and other forces across the country to establish Walmsley's whereabouts.