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Prisoner escapes in city centre Prisoner escapes in city centre
(about 23 hours later)
A man convicted of attempted murder has escaped while on an escorted visit in Manchester city centre. A man convicted of wounding has escaped while on an escorted visit in Manchester city centre.
Stephen Edwards, of HMP Risley in Cheshire, was with guards when he went missing on Wednesday afternoon.Stephen Edwards, of HMP Risley in Cheshire, was with guards when he went missing on Wednesday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police said searches had been mounted "up and down the country" to try to find the 44-year-old, who had served seven years. Greater Manchester Police said searches had been mounted "up and down the country" to try to find the 44-year-old.
Ch Insp Chris Hill said Edwards was a low-category prisoner but "could still pose a risk to the public".Ch Insp Chris Hill said Edwards was a low-category prisoner but "could still pose a risk to the public".
Edwards was convicted of attempted murder in 2001. Edwards was convicted of wounding with intent.
He went missing just after lunchtime and police say he had access to money.He went missing just after lunchtime and police say he had access to money.
'Don't approach''Don't approach'
They believe he could have tried to travel back down to Wiltshire where he is from, or to South Wales where he has friends and family.They believe he could have tried to travel back down to Wiltshire where he is from, or to South Wales where he has friends and family.
Ch Insp Hill said: "Whilst Stephen is a low category prisoner who was being reintegrated into the community, I can not discount the fact that he was serving a life sentence for attempted murder and therefore could still pose a risk to members of the public. Ch Insp Hill said: "It is important we find him and bring him back into custody.
"For this reason it is important we find him and bring him back into custody.
"Officers up and down the country have been looking out for him, but we are now asking for the public's help as well."Officers up and down the country have been looking out for him, but we are now asking for the public's help as well.
"If you see Stephen please don't approach him, but call police straight away and we will respond.""If you see Stephen please don't approach him, but call police straight away and we will respond."