A MURDERER has absconded from a north Worcestershire prison.

Alan John Giles, formerly of Oldbury in the West Midlands, absconded from HMP Hewell near Redditch yesterday.

Giles, aged 56, was serving two life sentences for the murder and kidnap of 16-year-old Quinton student Kevin Ricketts in 1995.

Giles is described as white, 5 ft 9 inches in height and of proportionate build, with short grey hair and blue eyes.

He has a scar on the right of his forehead and another small one by his left eye with tattoos of an eagle on his back and a swallow, shark and flower on his left arm.

He is believed to be wearing a grey Rockport sweater, blue jeans and white Asics trainers.

Giles has had recent contact with family in the West Midlands and most of his friends and associates are in the same area.

Detective inspector John Cashion, of West Mercia Police, said: “We have a dedicated investigation team working expeditiously to locate and apprehend Giles and to that end we are also liaising with our colleagues in West Midlands Police and in the Prison Service. “We have information that gives us concern for his welfare and it is important that we trace him as soon as possible.

“It should be borne in mind that Giles was in an open part of the prison when he went missing.

"However we would appeal to anyone who sees him not to approach him but to contact police immediately on 999.

“Furthermore, we would urge anyone who may be helping him or sheltering him to contact us without delay.”