Police warn public not to approach convicted murderer who is on the run

Paul Maxwell absconded while on day release with prison staff in Rochdale town centre

Police are urging people to be cautious if they suspect they recognise a convicted murderer who has absconded whilst on day release with prison staff in Rochdale town centre.

Officers continue to search for Paul Maxwell (born 04/10/1964) and have warned the public not to approach him but call police immediately.

Maxwell was jailed for life in 1996 for the murder of 85-year-old Joe Smales in Wakefield, and robbery.

However, on Friday 21 February 2014 he absconded from lawful custody while out on day release with prison staff in Rochdale town centre.

He is described as white, about 5ft 7in tall, of medium build with short brown hair and blue eyes. He wears glasses and was last seen wearing blue jeans, a grey fleece top and white training shoes. He was also wearing a Deerstalker hat at the time.

Maxwell is now known to have links to the Denton, Rochdale, Middleton an West Yorkshire areas.

Detective Superintendent Jon Chadwick said: "It has now been more than 24 hours since Maxwell has absconded and our inquiries to trace him are ongoing. We are pursuing a number of leads and we will continue to explore every possible avenue in finding him.

"Because Maxwell may have limited access to money, he may surface in the areas he is known to have links to so I would urge people to be on their guard and if you see this man, please do not approach him but call police immediately.

"While we have no specific intelligence to say Maxwell is a threat to the public, he was convicted of the murder of a 85-year-old man and a robbery so if he does run out of money and becomes desperate, he may seek to commit further criminal acts. For that reason, it is important we warn people that Maxwell is still at large and ask that people are particularly vigilant at this time, particularly if you are or know an elderly person.

"I would ask anyone with information about where he currently is, has been or could be heading to contact us in confidence."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or 0161 856 4473 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.