Two prisoners servicing sentences for violent crimes have absconded from a Suffolk prison today – and police are warning members of the public not to approach them.

Suffolk Constabulary said Matthew Wilsdon, 41, and Richard Smith, 25, were both reported missing to police at around 4.45pm.

“It is not known whether the men absconded together,” a force spokesman added.

Wilsdon was serving a seven years and six months sentence for robbery and assault.

He is described as white, five feet 11 inches tall, with blue eyes, brown hair and weighs around 13.5 stone. He has a tribal tattoo on his right arm.

Smith was serving a one year and 11 months sentence for theft, burglary and assault. He is described as white, six feet tall, with blue eyes, blond hair and is of slight build, weighing around 10.5 stone. He has a tattoo on his lower right arm and a scar on the right side of his face.

Both men have connections to Cambridgeshire.

“Members of the public are advised not to approach the men,” the police spokesman added.

Anyone who believes they may have seen either man, or who has any information regarding their whereabouts, is asked to contact Suffolk Constabulary on 101 quoting Cad 262 of Tuesday May 15.