Police are on the hunt for a man who fled custody after claiming he was feeling ill.
Gary Gainard, 47, was detained in Bristol on Saturday, April 18, for failing to appear in court on shoplifting charges.
Despite being taken into custody, he managed to abscond from the unit, prompting police to appeal for information from the public.
Avon and Somerset Police revealed that Gainard was transferred from the custody unit to the Royal United Hospital, Bath, after complaining of ‘feeling unwell’.
It was there that he escaped from officers the slip at 2.30pm.
The force has conducted extensive searches with the support of a dog unit and a National Police Air Service Helicopter, yet Gainard remains on the run.
The 47-year-old is described as white, around five foot five, with short brown hair.
Police believe he has connections to south Bristol.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We’re trying to trace Gary Gainard, 47, wanted for escaping lawful custody.
“He was arrested in Bristol on Saturday, April 18, for failing to attend court on shop theft charges, but escaped after being taken from custody to hospital in Bath.
“If you see him, please call 999 ref 5226106044.”