Haroon Ahmed: Violent escaped prisoner reportedly 'in Spain'

The 26-year-old robber fled from HMP Dovegate, Staffordshire last week

Haroon Ahmed, 26, is being sought by police after escaping from HMP Dovegate in Staffordshire (Staffordshire Police)

Police hunting for a violent criminal who escaped from prison say they are "investigating all lines of inquiry" amid reports he fled to Spain.

Violent robber Haroon Ahmed, 26, has been on the run since fleeing from HMP Dovegate, near Marchington, Staffordshire, on Wednesday afternoon.

Officers have launched a manhunt but Sky News reports that it is understood Ahmed has fled abroad.

A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police said: "We are actively investigating all lines of inquiry at the moment.

"We cannot confirm or deny that he has fled to Spain."

Ahmed, who is from the Derby area, is described as Asian, 6ft tall with a thin build and short black hair in a crew cut.

He was wearing jeans and a grey t-shirt but police say it is likely he has changed his clothing.

He has been missing since around 4.15pm on Wednesday, Staffordshire Police said.

Due to his violent conviction police advise members of the public not to approach him and instead ring 999.

Officers involved in the search arrested his brother, Majeed Ahmed, 25, of Clarence Road, Derby, on Thursday, and have charged him with assisting a prisoner in escaping from prison.

He has been released on bail to appear before magistrates in Burton on June 25.

And a black Volkswagen Golf has been subjected to a detailed forensic examination as part of the investigation.

The force is asking anyone who knows where Ahmed is to contact Staffordshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online report form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

PA