POLICE are appealing for help to trace a man who has absconded from Leyhill Open Prison in South Gloucestershire.

Gary Cooper was found to be missing at the midday roll call on Monday, September 22.

Avon and Somerset Police have circulated him as wanted and made enquiries with Devon and Cornwall Police as his previous addresses include Newquay, Truro and St Austell.

Cooper had been convicted of burglary at Truro Crown Court and jailed for four years. He was transferred to the open prison in June 2014 ahead of his planned release in February 2015.

The 53-year-old is described as white, about 5ft 11ins tall, with grey hair and blue eyes. He has a scar on his forehead and tattoos on his arms of a dagger and a rose, a dagger and a snake, and a mermaid.

Neighbourhoods manager inspector Bob Evely said: “We would ask any member of the public who sees him to call us immediately on 999.

Anyone with any other information which could help us trace him is asked to contact us online www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact or call 101 quoting the reference 98472/14.”