Police hunt 'dangerous' robber

Police say Smith appears to be carrying a gun in this photograph

A photograph of a "dangerous armed robber" who is on the run after escaping from a south London court has been issued by police.

Kevin Smith, 28, was convicted of conspiracy to commit armed robbery and firearms offences at Inner London Crown Court on 21 February.

He was sentenced to 15 years in jail but escaped while being transferred from the court building to a Securicor van.

Scotland Yard said he was thought to have fled abroad, possibly to Spain, but detectives believe he may now be back in the UK.

Detective Superintendant Bob Curry of the Flying Squad said he should not be approached and anyone with any information should contact police.

"We consider Smith to be extremely dangerous and believe he has access to firearms", he said.

"We believe the picture is recent and was taken abroad. The Flying Squad has intelligence that Smith may be back in the UK and would urge anyone with information as to his whereabouts to contact us".

Smith's three co-defendants were convicted of robbery offences and were jailed for five, 12 and 13 years.