A prisoner charged with kidnap, robbery and possessing an imitation firearm is on the run after escaping from a hospital in Cheshire.

Joseph Grima, 33, was taken to Macclesfield district general hospital in the early hours of Friday after he complained of feeling unwell, but escaped at about 5am.

He had been arrested the day before and charged with a series of offences.

Police warned the public not to approach Grima if they see him, but to contact them immediately. He is described as white, 5ft 5in, with a stocky build, brown eyes and very short brown hair.

At the time of his disappearance he was wearing a tight grey Nike top and grey jogging bottoms; he was also handcuffed.

Grima, from Macclesfield, has links to Salford and Eccles in Greater Manchester, Cheshire police said.

Supt Debbie Hooper said: “The search for Grima is ongoing and there is currently a large police presence in the local area.

“As part of this, I’m keen to hear from anyone who knows where he may be or has seen anyone matching his description. I would urge anyone who sees him not to approach him but to call us immediately on 999.”