POLICE are hunting a convicted murderer who has absconded from an open prison in south Gloucestershire with another inmate.

Daniel Shankly, 30, who was serving a life sentence, vanished on Saturday from HMP Leyhill with 29-year-old Daniel Wynne.

Police said the men are believed to have absconded together but might have split up since leaving the prison.

Shankly, who has links to Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, is described as white, about 6ft 3in and slim.

He has short brown spiky hair, is clean shaven and has a tattoo on his right upper arm with the words "RIP Nan".

Wynne, who was serving a two-year sentence for assault, has links to the Caerphilly area of South Wales.

He is described as white, 5ft 7in and stocky. He has a shaved head, speaks with a Welsh accent and has a tattoo on his left arm with the name "Danny".

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: "It is believed they absconded together but it is possible they may have split up after they left HMP Leyhill.

"We would like members of the public who spot both or either of the men to contact us via the 999 emergency number.

"We would advise anyone spotting the men not to approach them but call us immediately."