Convicted murderer Alan John Giles absconds from prison
A man who kidnapped and murdered a 16-year-old boy has absconded from prison in Worcestershire.
Alan John Giles absconded from HMP Hewell, near Redditch, on Monday.
The 56-year-old, formerly of Oldbury in the West Midlands, was serving two life sentences for the murder and kidnap in 1995.
Police said they had information which meant they were concerned for his welfare and added that anyone who sees Giles should not approach him.
Det Insp John Cashion, from West Mercia Police, said "it is important that we trace him as soon as possible".
"It should be borne in mind that Giles was in an open part of the prison when he went missing.
"However we would appeal to anyone who sees him not to approach him but to contact police immediately on 999.
"Furthermore, we would urge anyone who may be helping him or sheltering him to contact us without delay."
Giles is described as white, 5ft 9in tall, with short grey hair and blue eyes. He has a scar on the right of his forehead and another small one by his left eye.
He has tattoos of a swallow, shark and flower on his left arm.
Police said he recently made contact with family in the West Midlands and said most of his friends and associates were in the same area.