Child killer Alan John Giles escapes from prison

56-year-old Alan John Giles, who murdered a teenager and who was jailed in 1997, fled from an “open” section of a prison in Worcestershire.

10:53 31 October 2013

West Mercia Police has confirmed that Alan John Giles, the 56-year-old who was jailed for murdering 16-year-old Kevin Ricketts in 1995, has escaped from prison in Worcestershire.

The killer was originally from Oldbury in the West Midlands.

Detective Inspector John Cashion, of West Mercia Police, said: "We have a dedicated investigation team working expeditiously to locate and apprehend Giles, and to that end we are also liaising with our colleagues in West Midlands Police and in the Prison Service."

He added: "We have information that gives us concern for his welfare and 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."