A convicted murderer is on the run after escaping from custody when he was taken to Medway Maritime Hospital, it has been revealed.

John Murch, who was being held at Standford Hill on the Isle of Sheppey, escaped from the Gillingham hospital on September 1 after being taken there when he complained of chest pains.

An original appeal by Kent Police at the time he escaped failed to say where he had gone missing from or that he was a convicted murderer.

The Metropolitan Police has now revealed officers have had reports that Murch has been spotted in Richmond, in south-west London.

Police are appealing for help from people in their search for Murch.

He left Stanford Hill on Saturday, August 31 before being admitted to the Windmill Road hospital, but escaped the following day.

Murch was serving a sentence of life imprisonment for murdering a man in a street in Liverpool.

Officers have now received reports Murch has been seen the Richmond area, in particular the town centre and Sheen High Street.

Murch is described as of medium build, 6ft and has grey/brown hair and hazel eyes.

He has a distinctive tattoo on his right arm saying "Liverpool FC Liver Bird".

He is known to wear a flat cap and dark pin-striped suit.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "Murch is not currently considered to be a direct threat to the public however we advise you not to approach him and call 999 immediately.

"We are keen to speak to anyone who has any information regarding his whereabouts."

Anyone with information should call Kent Police on 101, or the wanted offender unit at Twickenham Police Station on 020 8247 7191, quoting ref EWMS 01TW/392014.

Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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