Police hunting escaped prisoner

A handcuffed prisoner is on the run after escaping police custody while being treated in hospital.

Scott King, 27, fled officers at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead after earlier being detained at Washington police station.

Police are now focusing their search on Sunderland Enterprise Park after a reported sighting.

Mr King is wearing a green top, blue jogging bottoms, black trainers and has silver handcuffs on his wrists.

A spokesman said there was no indication that he is dangerous, but warned the public not to approach him.

He was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting before being taken to the hospital.