Merseyside Police are hunting convicted murderer Shaun Walmsley, 28, after two armed men helped him escape custody while on a hospital visit in Liverpool, the force said.
The Sun has reported the ambush of Walmsley’s taxi outside Aintree University Hospital was carried out by two men armed with a gun, knife and pepper spray.
Walmsley is serving 30 years for his role in the murder of Anthony Duff, 33, in a drug-related incident that saw the victim stabbed and slashed 28 times.
Walmsley was remanded in custody at HMP Liverpool after being sentenced to life imprisonment in June 2015, with a 30-year tariff.
Neither of the prison guards were hurt during the incident that took place after Walmsley’s appointment.
Walmsley, of Wallace Street, Walton, is described as white, 6ft tall and of slim build with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing dark bottoms and a dark jacket.
The gunman is described as having his face covered and was wearing white shoes, grey tracksuit bottoms with a stripe down each side, a grey hoody and a dark coat.
The second man, who was believed to be armed with a knife, is described as having his face covered and he was wearing a green coat, dark Nike trainers and grey tracksuit bottoms.
A manhunt is now under way and police are carrying out an extensive search of the area.
The public are being warned not to approach the killer - described as dangerous - as he could also be in the company of the armed men who ambushed the car.
An investigation into the full circumstances of the incident is ongoing and Merseyside Police is working with the Ministry of Justice and other forces across the country to establish Walmsley’s whereabouts.
Police are asking who has seen him, or knows where he is, to contact them on 999 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.