Rapist escapes from Gloucestershire prison, prompting warning to public

'You are advised not to approach him,' police say

Police has warned the public not to approach Daniel Thompson after he absconded from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire on Friday (Avon and Somerset Police)

A convicted rapist has escaped from prison in South Gloucestershire.

Police have warned the public not to approach Daniel Thompson after he absconded from HMP Leyhill on Friday.

The 34-year-old is described as white, clean shaven, of slim build, 5ft 11ins tall and with dark coloured short hair and brown eyes.

He has a tattoo on the right side of his neck and was wearing a dark blue tracksuit when last seen, according to Avon and Somerset Police.

Mr Thompson, who had just completed a 10-year sentence for rape in Warrington and was on recall to prison for breaching a court order, failed to appear at roll call on Friday at 4.45pm. He was last seen at the 11.45am roll call.

He has links to Chester, Warrington and Darlington and may use the name “Gavin Barry”, police said.

Avon and Somerset Police shared a message to the public on their Facebook page stating: "You are advised not to approach him if you see him but call 999 and quote reference 5219189002."

Anyone who sees him is asked to call 999 and cite IML 484890 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.