POLICE have launched an appeal for help to trace a prisoner on the run from HMP Thorn Cross at Appleton Thorn, Warrington.
Michael Ratcliffe absconded from Thorn Cross open prison at around 4.30am yesterday, Saturday 27 March.
The 34-year-old is from Eccles in Salford, Greater Manchester.
He is white with a slim build and has very short dark hair.
When Ratcliffe was last seen he was wearing a grey coat, black tracksuit bottoms and black gloves, and he was carrying a green and white JD Sports bag.
Extensive enquiries are ongoing to in a bid to locate Ratcliffe and police are appealing for anyone with any information regarding his whereabouts to get in touch.
Inspector Helen Cooper said: “I would like to assure members of the public that we are doing everything we can to find the escaped prisoner and return him to lawful custody.
“Michael Ratcliffe is from Salford and may be intent on heading back to that area.
“He might try to get a lift there, if he hasn’t already done so, or he may still be near the prison in Warrington that he escaped from.
“Whilst we do not believe that Ratcliffe poses a risk to the public, anyone who sees him is urged not to approach him but to call 999 as soon as possible.”
Information regarding Ratcliffe’s whereabouts can be given by calling Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 948418, or via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
