Escaped rapist seen in Liverpool

O'Keefe has connections in London and Liverpool

An jailed rapist who escaped during a hospital trip has been seen in Merseyside, police said.

Terrence O'Keefe, 35, was taken to King's College's accident and emergency department, south-east London, after falling ill on Wednesday.

But staff noticed O'Keefe, who is serving a life sentence, was missing in the early hours of Thursday.

Detectives said he was seen in Liverpool on Thursday evening but are unsure if he has returned to London.

He is described as a light-skinned, black male with a shaved head, last seen wearing a checked shirt and jeans.

Police said he may also be wearing glasses.

Det Insp Ray McGeary said: "We would urge the public to be on the look out for this man.

"Do not approach him if you see him but immediately call police."

O'Keefe was serving his life sentence at Albany Prison on the Isle of Wight before being transferred to the secure Lambeth Hospital in south London.