EFFORTS to track down a prisoner who escape from jail by claiming to be a fellow prisoner were last night continuing.

James Whitlock, 25, is serving a sentence for theft at St Edmunds Hill prison at Stradishall, near Haverhill.

But on Monday Whitlock, who has a number of Essex connections, managed to flee prison by claiming to be a fellow inmate.

The escape is currently under investigation by the prison authorities.

A spokeswoman for the police said he had not yet been found and said the force’s efforts to track him down were ongoing.

Explaining how the inmate escaped, a spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said: “We can confirm that a prisoner from HMP Edmunds Hill left the prison without authorisation after claiming a licence for temporary release in another prisoner’s name.

“An investigation has been launched at the prison and this matter is now in the hands of the police.”

Whitlock is white, of slight build, with brown hair. He was last seen wearing a blue and white short sleeve top and blue jeans. He has connections to Walton on the Naze, Great Dunmow, Frinton on Sea, Kirby Cross and Chingford in the Essex area, and to Maidenhead in Berkshire.

Anyone with information should call Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or contact their nearest police station.