London prisoner ESCAPES as police launch urgent manhunt for burglar

The Met Police have now launched an urgent manhunt for the prisoner and have warned members of the public not to approach him.

The 63-year-old was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt and grey tracksuit.

Gomm, who had been on remand for burglary offences, slipped free from guards on Wednesday night at Hammersmith Hospital. Officers were alerted to his disappearance at 1.20am.

Detectives said they are concerned for his welfare as he was receiving treatment care before he escaped.

There is nothing to suggest that he is a threat to the public, the Met said.

Officers are currently carrying out searches and conducting inquiries. They have also visited several addresses linked to the 63-year-old.

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In a statement, the Met Police said: "If anyone sees Gomm they are asked not to approach him but they should call 999.

"Information on his whereabouts can also be shared with police via 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting reference CAD0481/18JUL24."

Gomm is not the only prisoner in recent years to have escaped from HMP Wormwood Scrubs during a medical visit.

In 2021, Manray Woolfall also slipped past his guards whilst he was being transferred to a mental health hospital in west London. This led to a manhunt being launched before he was finally apprehended.

Last month, an inmate escaped from jail whilst he was being transferred to remand prison, which resulted in a two-day manhunt.

Steven Wardle was receiving treatment at New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, when he fled from private security staff.

West Midland Police launched an appeal for any information about his whereabouts.

He was found two days later, and the force thanked members of the public who came forward with information.