Escaped prisoner ‘could be in Huddersfield’

David Mitchell, 44, left HMP Kirkham at 6.30am on Tuesday morning (31st July) for the purpose of undertaking a work placement in Kirkham; however he failed to turn up.

He was last seen in Blackburn close to Corporation Park at around 11.30am the same day but his current whereabouts are unknown.

Mitchell, who is from Huddersfield, was serving a life sentence for the murder of his estranged partner back in 1991. He had been at HMP Kirkham since March 2012.

He has links to the Huddersfield area and it is thought he may have travelled back there.

Detective Superintendent Andy Murphy said, “I would appeal to anyone who knows where David Mitchell is to come forward and contact the police immediately.

“At this stage I do not believe that members of the public are at risk but it is important that he is located and returned to custody as soon as possible.

“If anyone has any information then I would appeal to them to get in touch. Even the smallest details could prove crucial as we try to locate him.”

Any sightings should be reported to Lancashire police on 101 quoting log reference LC-20120801-0313 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Mitchell is described as white, 5ft 6 inches tall, medium build with brown cropped, receding hair and blue eyes.