Police continue hunt for convicted murderer who could be on the run in South Warwickshire

The 56-year-old was serving two life sentences for the kidnap and murder of 16-year-old Quinton student Kevin Ricketts in 1995.

Detectives believe Giles could be sleeping rough, possibly in woodland, and are appealing to dog walkers, farmers and other local people to look out for Giles and call police as soon as possible if they spot him.

Police are concentrating their efforts on the Redditch and south Warwickshire areas, although Giles has friends and family in other parts of the West Midlands.

Det Chief Insp Paul Judge said: “We are urging the public to help us by staying alert and calling us if they think they have seen Alan Giles.

“He could be sleeping rough and may be using barns or other outbuildings to shelter.

“Giles should not be approached and is described as a white man, 5ft 9 inches tall, with short grey hair and blue eyes. He has a scar on the right of his forehead and a tattoo of an eagle on his back. He also has tattoos of a swallow, shark and flower on his left arm.

“He is believed to be wearing a grey Rockport sweater, blue jeans and white Asics trainers. He may be on foot and could also be using public transport.

“We are working closely with colleagues in Warwickshire and West Midlands Police forces, as well as the prison service.

“We have safeguarding measures in place for the victim’s family and police Family Liaison Officers are speaking to them, as well as Giles’ friends and family.

“The motive for Giles leaving the prison is not clear but detectives are concerned about his state of mind.”

Det Chief Insp Judge also warned that anyone harbouring Giles could be committing a crime and face serious consequences.

He added: “We are carrying out extensive searches to trace Giles and want to return him to custody as soon as possible. We would like to thank the public for their help so far in this matter. We have had a good response to our appeals but we urgently need more information to help us find Giles.”

Anyone with information about Giles’ whereabouts should call 101 and ask for Redditch CID.

In an emergency call 999.