A manhunt is underway after a prisoner was mistakenly released from HMP Altcourse in Liverpool. John Lee Riley, 49, was inadvertently freed on Monday, June 8, while serving a sentence for assault. Merseyside Police have launched an urgent appeal to locate him.
Riley, originally from Liverpool but with ties to the Cheshire area, is described as approximately 5ft 7in tall, with a slim build, grey hair, and blue eyes. He speaks with a Liverpool accent and was last seen wearing a black jumper with 'Jack Jones' on the front, grey jogging bottoms with writing on the left leg and rear pocket, and black and white Puma trainers.
He is known to have connections in Widnes, Wirral, and Crewe.
Inspector Steve Reilly commented: 'If you see Riley or have any information whatsoever about his current whereabouts, then please get in touch as a matter of urgency so we can return him to prison. Please be assured that our inquiries are ongoing and we won't stop until he's back in custody where he belongs. I would also like to appeal to Riley himself to do the right thing and hand himself in if he sees this appeal. Let us know if you have any information and we will act swiftly to ensure he's found as quickly as possible.'
A Merseyside Police spokesperson added: 'Anyone with information should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via our website or by calling 101 quoting incident reference 26000460675. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website.'
