A Kent prisoner who threatened pub drinkers with a gun is being hunted after going on the run, it has emerged today.

Barrie Beattie, 59, disappeared from Standford Hill open prison on the Isle of Sheppey on Thursday, April 25.

Now, more than a month later, he has appeared on the charity Crimestoppers' most-wanted list.

He was last seen at about 9pm while on temporary release from the Eastchurch prison, but failed to arrive at HMP Ford in West Sussex.

Beattie, of Newington Road, Ramsgate, was jailed for six years last year after admitting two gun charges and an assault.

He had brandished a pistol at customers when he burst into the Red Lion pub, in King Street, Ramsgate, in July 2011.

Beattie was chased out by drinkers - before pistol-whipping one of them when they grabbed the thug by his collar.

Beattie is described of medium build, about 5ft 6in, with short grey hair.

Anyone who knows where Beattie is or recognises him is urged to phone Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.