Haroon Ahmed tracked down by newspaper to Costa del Sol after absconding from HMP Dovegate in Staffordshire last Wednesday

A violent criminal who escaped from prison said he “wanted to test out the security” as he was tracked down in Spain.

Haroon Ahmed, 26, has been on the run since fleeing from HMP Dovegate, near Marchington, Staffordshire, on Wednesday afternoon. Police launched a manhunt for the violent robber but the Sunday Mirror said he had fled to Marbella on the Costa del Sol.

Ahmed told the newspaper: “In my own mind I wanted to test out the security. I thought I’ll give it a go – and walked out of the door. That’s how easy it was. I just kept on walking.” He added that he was worried for his safety if he returned to the UK and claimed his family was being harassed because of his escape.

The newspaper said it had informed police of Ahmed’s whereabouts and the information had been handed to investigating officers.

Staffordshire police had previously said they were “investigating all lines of inquiry” amid reports Ahmed had fled abroad. A spokeswoman said: “We cannot confirm or deny that he has fled to Spain.”

Ahmed, who is from the Derby area, is described as Asian, 6ft tall with a thin build and short black hair in a crew cut. He was wearing jeans and a grey T-shirt but police say it was likely he had changed his clothing. He has been missing since about 4.15pm on Wednesday, Staffordshire police said.

Due to his violent conviction, police advised members of the public not to approach him and instead ring 999.

Officers involved in the search arrested his brother, Majeed Ahmed, 25, of Clarence Road, Derby, on Thursday, and charged him with assisting a prisoner in escaping from prison. He has been released on bail to appear before magistrates in Burton on 25 June.

A black Volkswagen Golf has been subjected to a detailed forensic examination as part of the investigation.

The force is asking anyone who knows where Ahmed is to contact Staffordshire police on 101. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via its anonymous online report form at crimestoppers-uk.org.