A CONVICTED killer remains on the run today after a police search of a main line railway station for the escapee proved fruitless.

The Northumbria force responded to a tip-off that 24-year-old convict Lee Nevins may be on a Newcastle-bound train, on Saturday evening.

As a result the decision was taken to close the city's Central Station from around 7pm.

A thorough 40 minute search was carried out at the station by police but Nevins was not aboard the train.

All passengers were able to disembark the train successfully and the station reopened at 7.40pm.

A force spokeswoman said the decision to close any railway station is, "a significant one and can cause alarm to the public".

She added: "We would like to stress that the train station was closed in connection with search for Nevins, and for nothing else."

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Anderson said: "Some people's journeys were delayed while the station was closed and I would like to thank all members of the public for their patience during this time.

"I'm also grateful for the patience of the passengers who were on the train."

He said police continued to carry out "detailed searches" for Nevins and are following up a number of sightings of him by the public.

"We continue to ask the public to be vigilant," added Det Chief Insp Anderson.

Nevins, of Leam Lane, Gateshead, is serving a life sentence, with a minimum term of 17 years behind bars, imposed after his trial at Newcastle Crown Court in November 2006.

He was convicted of the murder of a 20-year-old disabled man, after gate-crashing a party at his flat, in the Leam Lane area, in April 2006.

The Category 'B'-classed inmate was on an escorted visit from Frankland Prison, Durham, undergoing treatment for a hand injury at Sunderland Royal Hospital, when he slipped his guards, while still wearing handcuffs, on Tuesday, at 3.10pm.

Two men and a boy have since been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and were later released on police bail, pending further inquiries.

A reward of up to £1,000 has been offered by the Crimestoppers initiative for information leading to the arrest of Nevins.

Anyone with information is asked to ring 999 should they spot him or believe they know of his whereabouts.