A PRISONER who has served a seven year jail term after being convicted of attempted murder, is on the loose after escaping from custody in Manchester city centre.

Stephen Edwards, 44, was on an escorted visit to Manchester from HMP Risley, in Cheshire, yesterday afternoon when he disappeared.

Police today issued a photograph in the hope that someone will recognise him.

Chief Insp Chris Hill from the city centre policing team said: "While Stephen is a low category prisoner who was being reintegrated into the community, I cannot discount the fact that he was serving a life sentence for attempted murder and therefore could still pose a risk to members of the public.

"For this reason it is important we find him and bring him back into custody.

"Stephen had access to money so it is possible he could have tried to travel back down to Wiltshire where he is from, or to South Wales where he has friends and family.

"Officers up and down the country have been looking out for him, but we are now asking for the publics help as well. If you see Stephen please don't approach him, but call police straight away and we will respond."

Mr Edwards went missing at 1.45pm. Since then, officers have worked closely with the prison service, including searching the immediate and surrounding areas.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police in Manchester on 0161 872 5050, 0161 856 3221 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.