A major police manhunt is underway across the North West and beyond after a convicted violent offender serving a lengthy sentence for attempted murder absconded from an open prison in Cheshire.
Dangerous Inmate on the Run
Kieran Cameron, aged 43, was reported missing from HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington at 9.20pm on Tuesday evening. The Category D open prison is now at the centre of a significant search operation led by Cheshire Police's Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
Cameron is currently serving a substantial 23-year prison sentence. This was imposed following a horrific attempted murder in Poole, Dorset, back in 2016. During that attack, a man in his twenties was stabbed multiple times in the neck and stomach, sustaining a total of ten stab wounds. The victim required urgent surgery to treat his life-threatening injuries.
Public Urged to Exercise Extreme Caution
Authorities have issued a stern warning to the public. Detective Chief Inspector Nick Henderson stated clearly: "If you see him, do not approach him, call 999 immediately." Cameron is described as white, approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a medium build. He has heavily receding hair and sports a distinctive ginger and grey beard.
Police intelligence suggests Cameron has extensive links to several key areas, including Manchester, Liverpool, and Dorset. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact police on 999 if they see him, or 101 with any other details.
A Pattern of Recent Prison Breaches
This alarming incident follows closely on the heels of another prison escape on New Year's Day. Two inmates, including a convicted murderer, absconded from HMP Leyhill, an open prison in Gloucestershire.
Matthew Armstrong, 35, and Daniel Washbourne, 40, were both subsequently arrested after a short period on the run. Armstrong, jailed for a 2009 murder in Warwickshire, was detained near Henley-in-Arden train station. Washbourne, with prior convictions for false imprisonment and violence, was arrested in Bristol city centre. A third escapee from that incident was recaptured last Saturday.
The consecutive breaches from open prison facilities are likely to prompt serious questions about security protocols and the risk assessment processes used for inmate placements.
