An urgent appeal has been launched after a convicted murderer escaped prison.

Lee Nevins was found guilty or murdering Lee Jobling in Gateshead in 2006 and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The 39-year-old was on a period of leave on temporary licence from HMP Sudbury, Derbyshire, but failed to return.

He is described as white, of slim build, and around 6ft tall with short blonde hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo of a Tasmanian Devil on his arm.

Mr Nevins has links to the Chester-le-Street, Gateshead, and the wider Northumbria area.

He previously escaped from custody during a hospital visit in 2008.

Anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact police quoting reference 22*563940.

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