UPDATED: Police hunting convicted murderer after armed gang spring him free at hospital

Shaun Walmsley, 28, who has been described as a "highly dangerous individual", fled officers after two men - believed to be carrying a knife and a gun - broke him free.

A report was received from prison officers at 3.05pm yesterday, Tuesday, that Walmsley had escaped from their custody outside Aintree University Hospital, where he had an appointment.

He is serving a prison sentence for the murder of Anthony Duffy in Liverpool.

A manhunt is still taking place, with patrols attending the hospital immediately, and an extensive search of the area and CCTV being sought.

An image of a car used in the getaway has also ben released.

• The Gold Volvo used in the escape

Detective superintendent Natalie Perischine, said: "An investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is ongoing and Merseyside Police is working with the Ministry of Justice and other forces across the country to establish Walmsley's whereabouts so that he can be returned to prison.

"Walmsley is a highly dangerous individual, who was convicted of a vicious and savage murder of 33-year-old Anthony Duffy, who was stabbed multiple times during the attack which robbed him of his life in 2014.

“He took the life of this young man in a frenzied attack and in doing so ruined the lives of his victim's family and friends.

"We will be relentless in our pursuit of Walmsley and the men who helped him to escape and we need the public's help to find him and put him back behind bars.

“We are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen the Gold Volvo used in the incident.

“We believe it was in the Adlam Crescent area from around noon yesterday and then was abandoned soon after the incident around 8pm in Adlam Crescent.

“We would appeal to anyone who saw the car being abandoned to come forward as they could have vital information for our investigation."

Detectives are advising the public not to approach Walmsley if they see him, as he could be in the company of the others who helped him escape and they are believed to be armed.

Walmsley himself is also described as dangerous.

Neither of the prison guards were physically injured during the incident.

Officers now believe the gold coloured Volvo that was used in the escape, had been parked in the Adlam Crescent area of Fazakerley from around noon with at least one man inside, before travelling to Aintree University Hospital where it was seen parked from around 1.25pm.

The car was found in the Adlam Crescent area at 8pm last night and will be subject of forensic examination.

Walmsley is described as: white, 6ft tall and of slim build with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing dark bottoms and a dark jacket.

The first man, who was believed to be armed with a gun, is described as having his face covered and he was wearing white shoes, grey tracksuit bottoms with a stripe down each side, a grey hoody and a dark coat.

The second man, who was believed to be armed with a knife, is described as having his face covered and he was wearing a green coat, dark Nike trainers and grey tracksuit bottoms.

Officers would ask anyone who has seen Walmsley, or knows where he is, to contact the police on 999, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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A CONVICTED murderer is on the run after being sprung free from prison guards in an armed attack during a hospital visit in Liverpool.

Shaun Walmsley, 28, fled officers after two men - believed to be carrying knife and gun - broke him free.

A report was received from prison officers that Walmsley had escaped from their custody outside Aintree University Hospital as they were leaving at 3pm today.

Police have confirmed Walmsley had an appointment at the hospital.

He is serving a prison sentence for the murder of Anthony Duffy in Liverpool.

A manhunt is taking place across the region tonight.

Merseyside Police said: "As the prison officers and Walmsley were getting in to a car it was reported that two other men, believed to be in possession of a gun and a knife, threatened the prison officers and demanded that they release him, before escaping in a gold coloured Volvo.

"Neither of the prison guards were physically injured during the incident. 

"Walmsley was remanded in custody at HMP Liverpool after being sentenced to life imprisonment in June 2015, with a 30 year tariff, for the murder of Anthony Duffy." 

Walmsley is described as: white, 6ft tall and of slim build with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing dark bottoms and a dark jacket.

The first man, who was believed to be armed with a gun, is described as having his face covered and he was wearing white shoes, grey tracksuit bottoms with a stripe down each side, a grey hoody and a dark coat.

The second man, who was believed to be armed with a knife, is described as having his face covered and he was wearing a green coat, dark Nike trainers and grey tracksuit bottoms.

Police added: "An investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is ongoing and Merseyside Police is working with the Ministry of Justice and other forces across the country to establish Walmsley's whereabouts so that he can be returned to prison

"Detectives are advising the public not to approach Walmsley if they see him, as he could be in the company of the others who helped him escape and they are believed to be armed. Walmsley himself is also described as dangerous."

Officers would ask anyone who has seen Walmsley, or knows where he is, to contact the police on 999, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.