COPS have launched an urgent manhunt for a prisoner on-the-run who escaped hospital while under arrest.
A £5,000 reward has been posted for information about Daryl Taylor, 33, who was charged with seven sexual offences involving children, on August 11.
He was taken to Ipswich Hospital for treatment, but escaped at around 10pm.
He was sentenced in July last year to three years’ imprisonment for the offences of assault causing actual bodily harm and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
A spokesperson for Crimestoppers warned: “Please do not to approach Taylor.
“If you know of his whereabouts, contact the police directly or our charity if you wish to stay 100 per cent anonymous.”
Taylor is described as white and approximately 5ft 9in tall, with a stocky build, short brown hair and a beard.
He has face, neck, arm and leg tattoos.
When he fled hospital he was wearing a black and grey North Face jumper and matching jogging bottoms with black Adidas sliders.
He has links to Ipswich and in particular the Chantry and Hollesley areas in Suffolk.
Suffolk Police said: “A number of searches and inquiries have been taking place to trace Taylor since last night, but he has not yet been located.”
A man and three women have since been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and taken into police custody for questioning.
Superintendent Andy Martin, Southern Area Commander, said: “Whilst we recognise that this incident may cause concern to members of the public, I would like to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to locate and detain Daryl Taylor.
“Events such as this are extremely rare, but as you would expect we have begun an investigation into how this occurred.
“However, our priority at this time is to appeal to anyone with any information on where Daryl Taylor may be to contact us without delay.”
Phillip Breckon, Crimestoppers Eastern Regional Manager, added: “Our charity is backing the effort to catch this high-risk fugitive by offering a reward and reminding people that they have the option to use Crimestoppers and stay anonymous.
“We know that people can be reluctant to speak to law enforcement and give their details, especially when it involves dangerous criminals.
“Crimestoppers offers a safe alternative, guaranteeing complete anonymity. No police. No courts. No witness statements.
“If you know where Daryl is located, please speak up. Crimestoppers is open 24/ 7, 365 days a year via our website and also on the phone.
“Your information could make all the difference and you’ll be helping to keep people and communities safe.”
Police statement in full
A Suffolk Police spokesperson said: “Police are appealing for help to locate a 33-year-old Ipswich man who is wanted.
“Daryl Taylor escaped from police officers whilst under arrest last night, Sunday 11 August.
“Taylor had been arrested yesterday afternoon as he was wanted on recall to prison after breaching the terms of his licence. He was sentenced on 27 July 2023 to three years’ imprisonment for the offences of assault causing actual bodily harm and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
“Following his arrest yesterday, Taylor was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre, where he was also charged with seven sexual offences.
“Later in the afternoon he was transported to Ipswich Hospital by police officers as he required medical attention, and at just after 10pm he absconded from the hospital.
“A number of searches and enquiries have been taking place to trace Taylor since last night, but he has not yet been located.
“Taylor is described as white, approximately 5ft 9in tall, of stocky build, with short brown hair and a beard. He has tattoos on his face, neck, arms and legs. When he absconded from the hospital, he was wearing a black and grey North Face jumper and matching jogging bottoms and black Adidas sliders.
“These items may have been worn over the top of the clothing he was wearing in police custody, which was as follows: white t-shirt with a black cross on the back, grey shorts and white socks.
“Taylor has links to Ipswich – in particular the Chantry area – and also Hollesley.
“Four people – a man and three women – have subsequently been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and taken into police custody for questioning.”
