A CONVICTED robber with links to the Swindon area has escaped from Leyhill Prison.

Sean Porter, 43, is serving a seven-year jail sentence for offences including robbery and aggravated burglary.

Avon and Somerset police have issued an urgent appeal for information after Porter absconded from HMP Leyhill yesterday between 11am and 11.45am.

Porter 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.