POLICE are urging residents not to approach a man on the run from Thorn Cross.

Richard Hanson was last seen at the jail in Appleton Thorn at 1.40pm on Friday.

Officers say they are currently carrying out a number of enquiries in a bid to trace the 35-year-old and they are urging anyone with any information to get in touch.

He was jailed for life for killing a teenager by slashing her throat with a broken bottle back in 2007.

He admitted the manslaughter of Gemma Roberts, 18, on grounds of diminished responsibility when he appeared before Leeds Crown Court.

Prosecutor James Goss QC said Hanson, who had displayed psychotic behaviour since he was aged three, attacked Gemma, a total stranger to him, as he walked past her in Holme Street, Liversedge, last September.

Hanson is described as white, 6ft 3ins tall, of medium build with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing white trainers, grey jogging bottoms and a dark blue North Face gilet with a white logo on the right shoulder blade.

He has links to the Oldham, Dewsbury and Huddersfield areas.

Superintendent Alex McMillan said: “We are doing everything we can to locate Hanson and there are a number of enquiries ongoing in the local area and further afield.

“I would urge anyone who sees him not to approach him but to call Cheshire Constabulary immediately on 999 quoting IML 1070880.”

Information can also be passed on anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.