POLICE are hunting a Middlesbrough burglar who escaped from prison today (Thursday, December 18).

Gary Anthony Burgess absconded from HMP Sudbury near Derby in the early hours of the morning.

In 2011, the 50-year-old was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court to 10 years’ imprisonment after admitting carrying out 55 burglaries in 10 months.

At the time, Judge Peter Bowers describing him as a “professional burglar”.

Burgess is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of proportionate build, with brown hair, blue eyes and heavily tattooed.

Derbyshire Constabulary confirmed he has links with the Middlesbrough area.

Anyone with any information about his whereabouts is asked not to approach him, but to immediately contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.