FUGITIVE HUNT EXTENDS TO NORTHERN IRELAND

A convicted robber on the run from prison in England could be in Northern Ireland, police have warned.

Police in Lancashire have been hunting for Patrick Joyce, 30, since March when he breached the terms of an early release licence.

The breach triggered a recall to prison, which he continues to evade.

Joyce, formerly of James Street in Morecambe, was jailed for six years with an extended licence period of five years at Isleworth Crown Court in September 2008 for a robbery in Southall, west London. He was released from HMP Lancaster in August 2010.

Lancashire Police said he has connections to both Middlesex and Northern Ireland, and speaks with an Irish accent.

He is described as around 5ft 11in and of average build with blue eyes and short light brown hair.

Mark Stott, from the Lancaster & Morecambe Intelligence Unit of the Lancashire Constabulary, said: “We would ask the public to be vigilant and report any sightings to the police – any details could be crucial.”