A man jailed for attempted murder was on the run today after escaping from prison.

Police have warned members of the public not to approach Mervin Deadman, 33, from Brighton.

He was last seen by staff at Ford Open Prison, near Arundel, at 9pm on Wednesday.

Police are making inquiries to trace the fugitive, described as white, 5ft 11in, of large build and with cropped black hair.

He has tattoos on the back of his neck and a scar on his chin.

Anyone who sees him is urged to call the police.

Deadman, convicted of attempted murder in 1997, was serving 12 years.

A Prison Service spokesman said Deadman would have been assessed as suitable for a place at Ford.

It is thought he simply walked from the site.

The spokesman said: "Prisoners are categorised according to a number of factors, including risk of harm to themselves and others, behaviour in prison and time spent in custody."