Manhunt after prisoner convicted of attacking women escapes during Manchester hospital visit

A manhunt has begun after a prisoner convicted of attacking two women escaped while being taken to hospital.

Marwan Jumaa, 20, who is said to pose a threat to himself and others, absconded after being transferred from a secure hospital facility to North Manchester Hospital for medical treatment on Tuesday evening.

Jumaa, described as black, of skinny build, with short dark hair, and about 5ft 10ins tall, is serving a sentence for attacking two women.

Court records show that in January this year Jumaa pleaded guilty to three offences at Woolwich Crown Court in south east London.

The offences were assaulting an emergency worker, a police officer, the robbery of a woman and inflicting grievous bodily harm on a second woman, all committed on 17 July last year in London.

Jumaa had been held at HMP Belmarsh in March and sentenced for the offences in April this year.

Police issued an urgent appeal for any information on his whereabouts and asked the public not to approach him but call 999 immediately.

He is believed to have links to Bury, Prestwich and Crumpsall in Greater Manchester and Leeds and London.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are asking the public to help find him.

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Detective Chief Inspector Abigail Cronin, of GMP, said: "We are urging anybody to come forward who may have information about Marwan's whereabouts.

"I recognise that this may heighten concern within the community. However, I want to assure you that we have officers working around the clock to find Marwan and return him to hospital as soon as possible.

"If sighted, do not approach him, please call 999 immediately."

(c) Sky News 2026: Manhunt after prisoner convicted of attacking women escapes during Manchester hospital visit