Prisoner on the run sparks police hunt

Gary Rootham was last seen by prison staff on Friday afternoon

A police hunt has been launched after a man absconded from prison.

Avon and Somerset have urged people not to approach Gary Rootham, 42, who is on the run from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire.

Members of the public have been asked to call 999 if they spot the man, who has links to Reading and Cornwall.

Rootham, who was serving a prison sentence for driving, robbery and burglary offences, was last seen by prison staff at about 16:40 BST on Friday, police said.

Rootham is known to have links to Reading and Cornwall

He was wearing a dark Nike polo shirt, as seen in the CCTV image above, as well as dark jogging bottoms and black trainers with white soles.

He is described as about 5ft 11ins tall, with short dark brown hair, and is usually clean shaven.