Manhunt as prisoner goes on the run

David Mitchell, 44, left Kirkham prison near Preston on Tuesday morning to attend a work placement but did not turn up. He was last seen in Blackburn at around 11.30am the same day.

Mitchell, who is from Huddersfield, was serving a life sentence for the murder of his estranged partner in 1991.

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.

Any sightings should be reported to Lancashire police.

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