Convicted Child Killer Alan Giles Escapes From Prison

Police are appealing for information after a convicted child killer escaped from a prison just south of Birmingham.

Alan John Giles, 56, absconded from an "open" part of HMP Hewell, in Worcestershire, on 28 October.

He was sentenced to two life sentences after being convicted of the kidnap of 16-year-old Quinton school student Kevin Ricketts in 1995.

Police have warned members of the public not to approach Giles if they see him and instead contact police. He is described as a white male, 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. He has 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.

Det insp 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."

Police added he recently made contact with family in the West Midlands, where most of his friends and associates are still based.

At the time of Giles' 1997 trial, his victim's body had not been found.