Prisoner on the run after being escaping hospital in handcuffs as public urged 'do not approach'

Jonathan Windsor "escaped lawful custody" after he was being escorted by prison officers following treatment at Salford Royal Hospital in the Greater Manchester city

Members of the public have been warned "do not approach" a prisoner who is on the run following treatment at hospital.

Jonathan Windsor somehow "escaped lawful custody" after he was being escorted by prison officers after a visit to Salford Royal Hospital. A major search continues for the 31-year-old man, who was an inmate at HMP Forest Bank, a Category B jail in Salford, Greater Manchester.

A helicopter was also circling over the city, where residents understand a prisoner had fled the hospital "in a grey top and handcuffs". One local said: "A neighbour said the police had spoken to them and asked them if they had seen anything, as a prisoner had escaped wearing a grey top and still in handcuffs... There were police cars and and motorbikes everywhere and they were checking all the roads near Wilton Road and then checking the field at De La Salle.

"They were walking round the back of the building on the playing fields obviously looking for him. It's gone quieter now but we've not been told if the prisoner has been found or not."

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) urged members of the public not to approach the missing prisoner. It urged people to report any sightings immediately. Windsor is known to have links across the north west and south Manchester.

The search is understood to be widespread with uniformed officers seen conducting door-to-door enquiries in Salford and as far as Sale, about six miles away.

An HMP Forest Bank spokesperson tonight told Manchester Evening News: "We are aware of an incident involving an HMP Forest Bank prisoner who was under escort at a local hospital. We are working closely with Greater Manchester Police and cannot comment further at this time."

And a social media post shared by GMP Salford read: "Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace Jonathan Windsor (31/10/1992) who is wanted having escaped lawful custody while being escorted by prison staff. Windsor is known to have links across the North West, including South Manchester.

"People are urged not to approach Windsor and if anyone sees him, call 0161 856 5049 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting the log number 1687 of 07/10/24."