SUFFOLK Police are appealing for help to trace a Hollesley Bay prisoner who failed to return following a period of home leave.

Simon Searle, 29, is serving a seven-year sentence in connection with the importation of class A drugs.

He was due to return to the prison from home leave in London on Monday afternoon, August 13.

However, he didn’t return and enquiries are underway to trace him.

He is known to have connections in north west London, where he was over the weekend, and to Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria and officers are liaising with police in these areas to carry out address checks and further enquiries.

It’s thought it is likely he is still in London.

Searle is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build, with brown eyes.

Police are asking anyone who may have seen him since Monday or anyone with information about where he is now to contact officers.

People are advised not approach him or take any further action, but contact Suffolk Police or their nearest police station on 101.