A manhunt has been launched after a convicted killer absconded from an open prison.

Marcus Coates was last seen near Bristol Bus Station between 8.30am and 9.30am on Thursday.

Avon and Somerset Police are urging members of the public not to approach Coates if they see him, but call them.

The 54-year-old man absconded from HMP Leyhill, close to Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire. The jail is about 18 miles from Bristol.

Officers are searching to find Marcus Coates who has absconded from prison – we're asking for the public to call 999 if they see him.

He was last seen in #Bristol city centre, but has links to #Kent and #London.

Ref 5221253377.

Full details here: https://t.co/lxZ9hXrMc2 pic.twitter.com/Oej3iULRIA

In 2012, Coates was found guilty of the manslaughter of Jennie Banner, 32, who was found dead at a flat in Chatham, Kent.

At the time, the judge described him as “dangerous” and said he had shown no remorse for his crime.

He was last seen wearing a blue polo shirt, blue jacket, blue jeans and grey Puma trainers.

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Coates is described as white and about 5ft 10in tall, with blue eyes and receding mousey brown hair.

He has several tattoos, including his name and a rose on his left hand, a heart and West Ham FC on his right arm and a woman’s name across his knuckles on his right hand.

He has links to both London and Kent.

If you see Coates, call 999 and give reference number 5221253377. If you know where he may be, call 101 and use the same reference number.

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