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A VICIOUS convict has gone on the run after knocking out a prison guard and injuring another.

Anthony Ferrie was being treated at St John’s Hospital in Livingston before launching the brutal attack as he was escorted back into the G4S security van.

He knocked out a male guard and injured the arm of another before fleeing the grounds while still wearing cuffs.

A huge manhunt has been launched to trace the absconder who is currently serving time at nearby Addiewell prison for housebreaking.

A police helicopter is also scouring the area in a bid to catch the escapee.

One eyewitness tweeted: “Guy from the jail at the hospital just escaped when going back into the g4s van.

“Knocked 1 security guy out and started running through the car park with the cuff on.”

Head of Operations for G4S’s custody transport in Scotland, Willie Galloway, said: “During a prisoner transport movement at approximately 13:00 hours today, a prisoner escaped custody at St John’s Hospital in Livingston.

“Two members of our crew were injured during the incident which left one unconscious and the other with an injury to their arm.

“While they both remain in hospital, their injuries do not at this stage appear to be life threatening and we are supporting them and their families.

“We are assisting Police Scotland’s enquiry to recapture this prisoner and are working with the Scottish Prison Service to understand the events leading up to this escape.”

A spokeswoman for the Scottish Prison Service confirmed they were aware of the incident.

She said: “We are aware that an individual has escaped from the custody of G4S while on a hospital escort and we are assisting Police Scotland to apprehend them.”