A manhunt is underway for a prisoner who gave security the slip during a hospital visit. Steven Wardle, who was on remand for drug and domestic abuse charges, made his escape from New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton.

       The 46-year-old had been taken to the hospital from Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Thursday, June 6, due to a medical issue. However, he managed to evade private security officers tasked with transferring him to prison shortly before 5pm.

       West Midlands Police have issued an urgent appeal, calling on the public to dial 999 if they spot the fugitive. The force has conducted numerous searches to track down the Wolverhampton native.

       In a statement, West Midlands Police said: "We need your help finding Steven Wardle, aged 46, who is wanted for escaping lawful custody. Wardle appeared before Wolverhampton magistrates on June 6 charged with drugs and domestic abuse offences."

       "He was remanded into custody but was taken from the court to New Cross Hospital due to a medical issue. Just before 5pm, he escaped from private security staff who were in the process of transferring him to prison," the statement continued, reports Birmingham Live.

       Police added: "We have carried out a number of enquiries to locate Wardle, who is from Wolverhampton and are now appealing for the public's help. Anyone who sees him or who knows where he is has been asked to call 999, quoting 20/480322/24."