POLICE are appealing to the public to help catch a dangerous convict who has escaped from prison.

Richard Hunt, 29, and from Swindon, is a day release prisoner from HMP Springhill.

He was working at a charity shop in Headington, Oxford, on Wednesday when he allegedly assaulted a woman who was working with him. She suffered cuts to her hands in the incident.

Hunt left the shop and failed to return to HMP Springhill. He has not been seen since.

The incident happened at approximately 10.50am.

Det Insp Steve Raffield, said: “Hunt was serving a five-and-a-half year sentence for robbery.

“Clearly in light of this incident on Wednesday we regard him to be dangerous and I would urge the public not to approach him.

“If anyone sees him or knows where he is they should contact police urgently.”

Anyone with any information about Hunt’s whereabouts should contact police via 101. If you see him you should contact police urgently on 999.

If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.