Manhunt underway for escaped murderer in Liverpool 'freed by armed gang on hospital visit'

Shaun Walmsley reportedly sped away in a gold Volvo with two men armed with a knife and a gun

The public has been warned not to approach 'dangerous' Shaun Walmsley (Merseyside Police)

A convicted murderer is on the loose in Liverpool after an armed gang reportedly helped him escape from custody during a hospital visit.

Drug dealer Shaun Walmsley, 28, was leaving Aintree University Hospital after an appointment when two men are said to have threatened prison officers with a gun and a knife.

Merseyside Police said an urgent investigation had been launched to find Walmsley, who was serving at least 30 years in prison for murder.

The men, who had their faces covered at the time, are said to have sped away from the scene with Walmsley in a gold Volvo.

Neither of the two prison guards were injured during the incident, which took place just after 3pm.

The public has been warned not to approach Walmsley, who is described as dangerous. He may be with the men who arranged his escape, who are believed to be armed.

Walmsley, described by police as 6ft tall and slim with dark brown hair and blue eyes, was found guilty of killing Anthony Duffy in May 2014 and was sentenced in June the following year.

The court heard Duffy was "repeatedly and brutally stabbed" during the midnight attack and later died from his 28 wounds, reported the Liverpool Echo.

Duffy, a cannabis and cocaine dealer, had tried to steal a cannabis farm worth £60,000 owned by Walmsley and Christopher Kenny, according to the newspaper.

He was angry that the pair were chasing his cousin over a drug debt, but was lured into an ambush by his friend John Hore, 54, who informed Walmsley and Kenny of Duffy's plan.

In court, Judge Goldstone said Walmsley, who was 26 at the time of the attack, regarded himself as "untouchable" and had killed rival drug dealer Duffy to send out a message of "who was boss".

Walmsley was last seen wearing dark trousers and a dark jacket. The first man, believed to be armed with a gun, was wearing white shoes, grey tracksuit bottoms with a stripe down each side, a grey hoodie and a dark coat.

The second man, believed to be in possession of a knife, was wearing a green coat, dark Nike trainers and grey tracksuit bottoms.

Walmsley was reportedly being escorted from the hospital appointment in a minicab, according to The Sun.

Police have advised anyone with any information to call 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.