AVON and Somerset Police is searching for two men who have absconded from HMP Leyhill.

The minimum-security men’s prison is located near Thornbury in South Gloucestershire, but one prisoner is thought to have links to the Newport/ South Wales area.

Nicholas Briggs, 28, and Anthony McCormick, 52, both absconded from HMP Leyhill yesterday afternoon (9th February) at approximately 4.50pm.

Briggs was serving an 18 month sentence for a domestic assault and McCormick was serving a life sentence after being convicted of a rape in 1998.

Briggs is described as white, approximately 6ft tall, of medium build with brown hair. He has links to the Newport area.

McCormick is described as white, bald, approximately 5ft 9ins tall and of a heavy build. He has links to Merseyside.

If you see either man, do not approach them but call police immediately on 999 and quote crime reference number 5217030197. If you have any information as to their whereabouts, call 101 and quote the same number.