POLICE are appealing for information after two prisoners have escaped Thorn Cross open prison.

The pair, both from Liverpool, were found to be missing around 10.30am on Tuesday by prison officials.

Anthony Peloe, aged 43, was convicted of possession of firearms with intent to commit harm on 14 December 2005 and given athree-year indeterminate sentence.

John Arnold, aged 30, was convicted of robbery on 8 May 2006 was sentenced to two years imprisonment, also with an indeterminate sentence.

Peole is described as a white man, 5ft 8ins tall, with brown hair and blue eyes while Arnold is around 5ft 11ins tall, slim in build with brown hair and brown eyes.

Police say both men may be wearing prison issue green trousers.

Supt Martin Cleworth of Warrington police said: "Cheshire Police are making every effort to locate these two men including liaising with colleagues in other forces.

“They may be travelling together or separately.

“ My advice to any member of the public who sees them is not to approach them, but to immediately ring police on 999.

“I would also ask members of the public to be mindful that the men remain outstanding, and despite the hot weather, be cautious about leaving your house or car insecure with an open window.

“If you have any concerns at all, contact your local police station."

The pair are the latest in a number of high profile escapes from open prisons across the country.

It follows the Warrington Guardian revealing in March this year there has been more than one escape every two weeks in the last two years at the Appleton open prison which now houses adult inmates guilty of violent crimes and those on life sentences.

Anyone with information about the latest escapees should call 101 quoting incident 306 of 20/05/2014.

Although both men have been risk assessed for open conditions, police are advising as a precaution not to approach them - anyone who sees them is advised to immediately ring 999.