A 43-year-old man serving a seven year prison sentence escaped from Leyhill Prison near Tortworth yesterday.

Avon and Somerset police have issued an urgent appeal for information after Sean Porter, who was serving a seven year sentence for offences including robbery and aggravated burglary, after he absconded from HMP Leyhill yesterday between 11am and 11.45am.

Porter, 43, is described as white, about 5ft 8ins and of a medium/stocky build. He has brown hair, in a mohican style, and a scar on his head. He also has a tattoo of a smiley face on his arm. He was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt and dark shorts.

He has links to the Swindon area of Wiltshire.

Anyone who sees him is asked not to approach him, but call 999 and give reference number 5221125913. If you know of his potential whereabouts, please call 101 and use the same reference number.