Manhunt for violent robber

An armed robber has absconded from a Fylde coast prison.
Wayne Whitley, 40, who was serving a life sentence for a series of violent armed robberies, has absconded from HMP KirkhamWayne Whitley, 40, who was serving a life sentence for a series of violent armed robberies, has absconded from HMP Kirkham
Wayne Whitley, 40, who was serving a life sentence for a series of violent armed robberies, has absconded from HMP Kirkham

Wayne Whitley, 40, who was serving a life sentence for a series of violent armed robberies, went missing from HMP Kirkham 12 days ago, but his absence has only just been revealed by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Asked about why it had taken nearly two weeks to alert the public about Whitley, GMP said officers had been making inquiries surrounding the disappearance since he left the prison, but had now decided to ask for the public’s help.

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Whitley, who has links to areas across Greater Manchester, is described as a black man of slim athletic build.

Kirkham PrisonKirkham Prison
Kirkham Prison

It is unknown what he was wearing when he left prison, a statement from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

Det Insp Robert Cousen, from GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said: “Whitley escaped from lawful custody on July 19 and we are making every effort to find him.

“He is not to be approached by members of the public, but if anyone sees him or knows of his whereabouts, please contact GMP on 101 immediately.

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“If you would prefer to pass on information anonymously, then you can do this by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“I would also urge Whitley to hand himself in at his nearest police station and to remind people that if anyone is found to be assisting or harbouring Whitley, they too will face being arrested and a possible prison sentence of their own.”

Whitley is the third prisoner to abscond from HMP Kirkham in recent weeks.

Philip Stephenson, 33, and Gareth Robinson, 24, left the Category D facility earlier in July.

Stephenson was serving a sentence for firearms offences while Robinson was in prison for burglary, Greater Manchester Police said at the time.