Manhunt launched after convicted killer escapes prison

Police warn public not to approach Ryan Hill, who was previously jailed for his part in murder of car dealer

Ryan Hill (South Yorkshire Police)

An urgent police manhunt has been launched after a convicted killer escaped a South Yorkshire jail.

People have been warned not to approach Ryan Hill who left Hatfield Open Prison, near Doncaster, on Christmas Eve and never came back.

The 41-year-old was jailed for his part in the vicious murder of a car dealer in 2008.

Together with an accomplice, Hill broke into the home of David Ward and killed the 38-year-old after being told he kept £20,000 in a safe at his Wakefield home.

A court was told at the time that their victim died of compression to the neck after having his hands and feet tied with leather belts.

Hill was jailed for eight years for manslaughter but, after his release, was recalled to prison in 2019 for burglary.

His accomplice in the killing, Michael Sharp, from Ossett, was jailed for 27 years for murder.

Today, South Yorkshire Police said anyone who saw Hill following his escape should immediately call 999.

The force said he was known to have links to the Wakefield and Upton areas, as well as Milton Keynes and Sowerby, near Thirsk.

He is described as 6ft 3ins tall with a medium build and blond hair.

One of his front teeth is missing and he has a number of tattoos including one on his right arm which says 'bulldog bulldog breed Oggy'.