A "VIOLENT" offender who is serving a life sentence for murder is on the run from prison.

Thomas Parkinson, aged 31, is being hunted by police after absconding from HMP Kirkham on April 24.

Lancashire Police have issued an appeal to help trace Parkinson, formerly of Acacia Street, Preston, and warned residents not to approach him.

The police appeal warns: “Parkinson could be violent and we would ask anyone who knows where is not to approach him but to call police immediately."

Parkinson was sentenced to life in prison in April 2007 for murder.

Parkinson has links to the Warrington, Widnes and Bolton areas.

He is described as white, 5ft 7in tall, of slim build with cropped brown hair and green eyes.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: “We would urge anyone with information about Parkinson’s whereabouts to contact us.

“Parkinson could be violent and we would ask anyone who knows where is not to approach him but to call police immediately.

“Furthermore, we would encourage Parkinson, if he sees this appeal, to do the right thing and come forward.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or email westintelunit@lancashire.pnn.police.uk quoting log 0364 of April 24.