A convict who jumped a fence to escape an open prison could be in south east London.

Sam Hawkins, who has linked to Bexleyheath, Plumstead and Thamesmead, and Darren McKay were caught on camera climbing out of HMP Sudbury, Derbyshire, at around 10.15pm on Tuesday, October 10.

One was seen carrying two bags, while the other was seen holding a single rucksack with a towel around his neck.

Hawkins, 34, was jailed at Snaresbrook Crown Court in 2019 for burglary, theft and driving offences.

This Is Local London: HMP SudburyHMP Sudbury

He was part of a gang that was sentenced to nearly 50 years in prison for a series of ram-raids across the capital.

He is described as being 5ft 7ins, with brown hair, brown eyes and of medium build.

McKay, 37, is described as being around 6ft 2ins tall, with blue eyes, brown hair and is of stocky build with tattoos on his arms.

He was convicted at St Alban’s Crown Court for burglary and driving offences last year and has links to Luton and Harpenden.

The force said they were last seen on the A515 heading towards Ashbourne after they absconded from the Category D open prison.

Derbyshire Police is now searching for the pair and warned members of the public not to approach the dangerous offenders if they are spotted.

Anyone who has any information about their current whereabouts is asked to contact Derbyshire Police using crime reference number 1278-111021.

The force can be contacted by calling 101 or by messaging them online at derbyshire.police.uk/ContactUs or on social media.

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