Independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £2,000 for information on the whereabouts of murderer Shaun Walmsley who escaped police custody during a hospital visit in Liverpool.

Walmsley, of Wallace Street, Walton, is currently serving a minimum 30-year sentence for his part in the murder of Anthony Duffy.

The 28-year-old killer is now at large after he was leaving an appointment at Fazakerley Hospital on Tuesday just after 3pm.

It was then that two men, believed to be in possession of a gun and a knife, threatened prison officers and demanded Walmsley’s release. The trio then fled the scene in a gold Volvo.

Crimestoppers is now offering the reward of up to £2,000 for information given to the charity that leads to the arrest of Walmsley.

Gary Murray, North West regional manager for Crimestoppers, said: “Shaun Walmsley is a dangerous individual and should not be approached, that would be my first message to the public.

“But my second message is this.

"He is currently serving a long sentence for murder, and he needs to serve his punishment.

"If you know where he is, pick up the phone or log onto our website and tell us where he is.

"He’ll never know you contacted us, and you’ll be helping to remove a serious criminal from your community.”

If you have information on Walmsley’s whereabouts contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org