Police Release CCTV Images Of Runaway Killer

Police have released CCTV images of a convicted murderer trying to get on a bus shortly after he escaped while on day release.

Brian Lynch, 44, fled from Preston city centre on Thursday afternoon while on a trip from nearby HMP Kirkham.

He was jailed in 1988 for the killing of 21-year-old Chi Yeung Yip in Clayton, Manchester.

Lynch was moved last December to serve the remainder of his sentence at HMP Kirkham.

Within 20 minutes of going missing at 3pm, he was filmed on CCTV at a bus stop in Lancaster Road, where he spoke briefly to the bus driver before walking off.

Later the same day, at 5.15pm, he was seen in Stanley Grove, Penwortham, Lancashire, walking along a footpath towards Blashaw Lane.

Police are also investigating an unconfirmed sighting of him in Poulton, where he is thought to have been seen in Breck Road between 12pm and 1pm on Saturday.

A man matching his description approached a couple outside St John's Church and asked for money, stating that he had just been released from prison and was homeless.

This man was wearing a fleece-type jacket with an orange fluorescent vest over it.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Gilbert said: "The last confirmed sighting of Lynch is in Penwortham on Thursday, the day he went missing.

"However, a possible sighting of him in Poulton does mean he could have left the Preston area, so I'd like to reinforce our appeal and urge people all over the county to be vigilant.

"If anyone thinks there is the slightest possibility that they have seen a man who may match his description, I would urge them to contact us immediately.

"The longer he is away from prison, the stronger the possibility he could become a higher risk to the public."

:: Anybody who sees Lynch should contact Lancashire Police via 999 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.