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Prisoner on run after gunpoint terror

A manhunt has been launched to find Andrew Farndon, 26, who is from Coventry. (s)

A VIOLENT prisoner from Coventry is on the run after guards were threatened at gunpoint.

Andrew Farndon had been taken to West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmonds for a shoulder injury suffered in prison. Unconfirmed reports suggest he stabbed himself in a pre-planned operation.

The 26-year-old was an inmate at HMP Highpoint, a category C prison in Stradishall, Suffolk.

Police say Farndon, formerly of Smith Street, Coventry, may have returned to the city.

At 6.50pm yesterday (Wednesday), hospital reception staff called police to say they could see a man pointing a gun at two prison officers outside the A&E department.

A female prison officer, who was handcuffed to Farndon, was forced to release him after a gun was pointed to her head.

The pair then ran through the car park and are thought to have escaped in a dark coloured car.

Farndon was convicted in his absence at Coventry Crown Court in 2007 after jumping from the dock.

He was later found at an address in Reading and jailed indefinitely for GHB with intent, dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.

He is described as white with a shaved head and was wearing a dark blue baseball cap, light coloured jumper that was padded on the right side due to the injury.

The gunman is described as white, in his mid 40s, around 5ft 8ins tall, of stocky build, possibly with a Scottish accent and was wearing a white top and blue jeans.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident, or where Farndon is now, to call them as soon as possible - using 999 if necessary.

The force said members of the public should not approach either of the men but to call officers straight away.