A convicted murderer who battered a man to death in Finchley is on the run after he absconded from prison.

Lester Jackson was jailed for life in 1991 for the murder of Hugh Paton during a botched mugging in August the previous year.

The 43-year-old, who was 22 at the time of the killing, has been serving time at a minimum security prison as he nears the end of his sentence.

On Monday, March 12, Jackson left HMP Kirkham in Lancashire to attend a work placement but he failed to turn up, sparking a regional man hunt.

The former Golders Green resident has served 21 years in jail since killing the 58-year-old with a baseball bat as the victim walked from Finchley Underground Station to his nearby home.

Lancashire police are appealing for information as to the whereabouts of the runaway and say he could have returned to London since his disappearance.

He is described as white, 6ft 1in tall with a slim build, short brown hair and green eyes.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Quinn, of Blackpool police, said: “I would appeal to anyone who knows where Lester Jackson is to come forward and contact the police immediately.

“I would reassure the public that the relevant authorities carry out numerous checks on people prior to them being placed and that we have a team of officers searching for Jackson.

“At this stage I do not believe that members of the public are at risk but it is important that he is located and returned to custody as soon as possible.

“If anyone has any information then I would appeal to them to get in touch. Even the smallest details could prove crucial as we try to locate him.”

If you have any information about Jackson's whereabouts, telephone police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.