Child killer John Clifford on the run from prison as police launch desperate hunt for sicko who strangled 8-year-old niece to death
Officials said John Clifford didn't return to custody as expected on Sunday evening
COPS in Northern Ireland have launched a manhunt for a convicted child killer who is on the run from prison.
John Clifford, 56, was allowed out on day release from Burren House on the Crumlin Road in Belfast, a satellite of Maghaberry Prison.
Clifford was allowed to attend an appointment, but officials said he didn't return to custody as expected on Sunday evening.
He has been described as being 1.75m tall with green eyes and fair hair, and was last seen using a distinctive three-wheel mobility scooter bearing the registration plate EXZ4974.
According to the , Clifford was originally jailed in 1989 for murdering his niece Sue Ellen.
Clifford raped and strangled the eight-year-old, before leaving her on a deserted railway line in 1988.
He was freed in 2005 but was back behind bars in 2007 for breaching the terms of his probation.
Inspector Paul Noble said, “We have initiated enquiries to locate John Clifford. He is described as being 1.75m tall with green eyes and fair hair. He is of medium build with a fresh complexion.
"When last seen he was wearing a black beanie style hat, heavy black coat, grey trousers and black dress shoes. He was last seen using a distinctive three-wheel mobility scooter bearing the registration plate EXZ4974."
He continued: “Members of the public or anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact us immediately on 101.”
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Prison Service said: “The Prison Service is investigating the circumstances surrounding the abscondment of John Clifford.
"At this time we are focused on returning him to custody and we would ask anyone with information to contact the PSNI immediately.”
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