Police forces across the UK, including in Lancashire, are working with Merseyside Police to trace a convicted murderer.

Shaun Colin Walmsley, 28, escaped from custody during Tuesday (21 February) after being escorted to a hospital appointment.

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Two men, one armed with a gun and another with a knife, approached prison guards and demanded Walmsley’s release.

Walmsley is described as white, 6ft tall and of slim build with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing dark bottoms and a dark jacket.

He was serving a minimum 30-year sentence for the murder of Anthony Duffy.

Detective Superintendent Natalie Perischine, said: “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 so that he can be returned to prison.

“Walmsely is a highly dangerous individual, who was convicted of a vicious and savage murder of 33-year-old Anthony Duffy, who was stabbed multiple times during the attack which robbed him of his life in 2014. He took the life of this young man in a frenzied attack and in doing so ruined the lives of his victim’s family and friends.

“We will be relentless in our pursuit of Walmsley and the men who helped him to escape and we need the public’s help to find him and put him back behind bars.”

Police say the public should not approach Walmsley if they see him. He is described as dangerous and could be armed, along with those in his company.

Anyone who has seen Walsmley is asked to contact police on 999 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800555111.