POLICE have launched a manhunt for a notorious Southampton thug who has gone on the run again - the second time in two years.

Michael Easy, aged 29, is being hunted by officers after he was found guilty in his absence at Southampton Magistrates Court on February 27 of breaching a restraining order and assaulting two prison officers.

Officers are keen to hear from anyone who has information about the whereabouts of Mr Easy - who once taunted them on Facebook while on the run in 2013. 

As previously reported, the nationwide manhunt went on for several weeks, the fugitive continued to mock officers, uploading photographs of himself in “disguise” wearing a tacky platinum wig and pink Dame Edna Everage-style glasses and changing his name to Michelle.

Daily Echo:

Detective Inspector John McGonigle, said: “We believe that Mr Easy, who also uses the name Darren Dirtt, is in the Southampton area.

“Officers are continuing to conduct extensive enquiries to try and locate him and would urge anyone who has information about his whereabouts to contact the police, or for Easy to hand himself in.

“If you know where he is, please contact us as soon as possible. If you see him you shouldn’t approach him but call 101 immediately.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Western Investigation Team on 101 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.