Police have launched an urgent search for a man who absconded during a visit from a secure unit in Preston.
Shaun Paul Smith went missing on Thursday, April 25 according to Greater Manchester Police.
Officers now believe Shaun, who the public have been warned not to approach, could be in Manchester and have warned the public to call 999 if they see him.
Smith - who may also go by the name Aemon Martin - was spotted in the Tesco Express in Piccadilly Gardens at around 8.30am yesterday morning (Tuesday, April 30) and is described as being a white man of slim build, reports Manchester Evening News.
He has grey hair, a beard and moustache.
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Police have warned members of the public to “remain vigilant” and call 999 if they see him.
Shaun was also seen on Bank Street in Rawtenstall last Friday.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said in an appeal that he was last seen wearing a hat, cream jeans, a grey/red t-shirt, grey cardigan and black coat. He was also wearing black trainers and a backpack.
In a post on social media, GMP said: "#APPEAL | You may have seen our colleagues from Lancashire Police appeal for your help to find Shaun Paul Smith, who absconded during a visit to Preston from a secure unit on Thursday 25 April.
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"Through in-depth enquiries we now believe he is in Manchester and our officers are investigating.
“We’re now refreshing the appeal for Shaun, who may also go by the name Aemon Martin. "
Officers added: "We’re asking the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings to us and if you see him, please do not approach him but contact us on 999 quoting Log 1118 of 30/4/2024."