WILTSHIRE Police are scouring the county for an escaped prisoner who  is considered armed and dangerous.

Michal Kisiel, 30, escaped from guards at Salisbury District Hospital last night and may have had assistance to do so, police believe.

He fled the hospital at around 7pm on Tuesday. He is said to be injured and requires treatment for a head wound.

Officers have issued a description of the man on the run, who is described as white, 5ft 6in tall with blond hair and of medium build with tattoos on his neck.

Kisiel, who sometimes uses the spelling Michael, was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a black t-shirt with blue trainers.

Drones, police dogs and the force helicopter are involved in the search.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: "Kisiel is believed to have a razor blade in his possession and is considered to be dangerous.

"The public are advised not to approach him for their own safety. If anyone sees a man matching the description they should call 999 immediately.

"Police officers and police dogs are searching the area and the helicopter has been tasked."

Detectives are now investigating whether his escape was pre-planned and if he had help from others.

"The search for Kisiel continues and we are exploring a number of leads, particularly looking at transport routes out of the city and liaison with our surrounding forces," police said today.

"A key line of inquiry is the fact that this may well have been a pre-planned escape and Kisiel may have had assistance.

"The public are advised not to approach him for their own safety. If anyone sees a man matching the description they should call 999 immediately."

Inspector Martyn Sweett said: "My officers are doing everything they can to find Kisier and we will keep the community updated.

"We ask that the public are vigilant and call us on 999 with any sightings but it is important that you do not approach him."