A CONVICTED murderer is today on the run after failing to return to a Suffolk jail.

Paul Flint was meant to be back at Hollesley Bay prison near Woodbridge on Saturday night, but did not return.

The 47-year-old, last seen in Ipswich, was serving a life sentence for murder. He was on day release from Hollesley Bay but failed to return by 7.30pm. The prison service defended holding Flint at a category D open jail, saying all prisoners there are assessed as being low risk.

Police said Flint – last seen wearing blue jeans, blue Adidas trainers and two jackets, one blue, one green and black – had links to Crawley, West Sussex. They believe he is now in London.

Last year a study found that between 1995 and 2009, 261 inmates had absconded from Hollesley Bay. At the time seven had not been recaptured.

A prison office spokeswoman said: “Prisoners located in open conditions have been rigorously risk assessed and categorised as being of low risk to the public.

“Time spent in open prisons allows prisoners the opportunity to find work, re-establish family ties, reintegrate into the community and ensure housing needs are met. These are important for reducing re-offending.”

If you can help police call 101.