Hunt for violent prisoner

Runaway prisoner Andrew Farndon (EPA)

A nationwide hunt is on for a violent prisoner who escaped after his two guards were threatened at gunpoint when they arrived at hospital.

Andrew Farndon, who was serving an indeterminate sentence for breaking a victim's skull with a hammer and baseball bat, is believed to have stabbed himself in Highpoint prison on Wednesday. He was taken to West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds for emergency treatment. Farndon, 26, was handcuffed to a female officer, who removed the handcuffs when threatened with a handgun. He and his accomplice drove away in a dark-coloured car.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Bennett, of Suffolk Constabulary, said: "We're pursuing various lines of inquiry."