A MANHUNT has been launched to find a convicted burglar.

Police are searching for Southampton-born Stuart Wort, who absconded from Ford Prison on Thursday, May 19.

The 46-year-old failed to appear at roll call that afternoon and is therefore unlawfully at large.

He had been sentenced on August 12 last year at Southampton Crown Court to serve three years and eight months for burglary offences in Southampton.

Sussex Police are leading the search.

PC Lewis Dines from Chichester Investigations said: "We do not believe that Stuart Wort poses a physical risk to members of the public, but would like anyone who sees him to not approach him, and to call 999 immediately.

He is local to the Southampton and surrounding area and we believe he has headed back there as it is not thought he has any associates in Sussex."

Wort is white, 6ft, of medium build, with short light brown hair greying at the sides.

He was last seen in his prison overalls which are green, but it is likely these have now been discarded.

Anyone with any information about Stuart Wort can contact Sussex Police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting serial 1123 of 19/05.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.