19/11/2008

Police Search For Escaped Murder Suspect

A search is underway after a murder suspect has escaped from a mental health unit.

John Clayton, 28, escaped from the Springfield Hospital in Wandsworth, south London late on Tuesday evening, Metropolitan Police said. Mr Clayton was charged with a murder in Bath in April and was being held at the hospital for a psychiatrist assessment.

He escaped along with John Slavin, who is facing charges of aggravated burglary.

Police have said Mr Clayton is thought to have associates in the Kensington and Chelsea area of London. Mr Slavin, who is originally from Bristol, is known to frequent Aberdeen.

Officers investigating the escape said they are using helicopters and ground search units in their attempts to find the two men.

They were reported missing just after 10pm on Tuesday evening.

The public have been warned not to approach either man, but contact police immediately if they see them.

(JM)

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