An inmate who was temporarily released from prison to visit his home is on the run from police after failing to return to his cell.

Malcolm Parker, 55, was released on a temporary licence from HMP Blantyre House in Kent on Monday, January 6 and was supposed to return at 5.30pm – but he failed to come back.

Parker is known to have associates in Hendon, and anyone who sees him is asked to contact police immediately.

He is described as black, 6ft 1ins tall, of medium build and balding. He has a distinctive scar on his left elbow which is between one and two inches in size.

Police have said he is “not currently considered to be a direct threat to the public” but have advised no one approaches him.

Anyone with information should contact police on 020 8358 1752, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.