'Dangerous' murderer who escaped prison found in Scots seaside town

Paul Gerrard had been on the run for a month having absconded from HMP Kirkham in Lancashire.

Murderer Paul Gerrard who escaped Kirkham prison found in Irvine in North AyrshireGoogle Maps

A convicted murderer has been caught on the run in Scotland after escaping from prison in England.

Paul Gerrard was sentenced to life in prison in 2009 for the murder of David Argent in Runcorn.

The 40-year-old absconded from HMP Kirkham, Lancashire, in December 2022.

Officers from Cheshire’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit located the fugitive in Irvine, North Ayrshire, on Tuesday, January 17 – around 200 miles from the prison.

Gerrard was taken into custody.

Detective chief inspector Ian Murray, of Cheshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit, said: “Gerrard is a dangerous individual and I welcome the fact that the is now back behind bars where he belongs.

“I’d like to thank all of the officers involved in this manhunt for their dedication, going well beyond the boundaries of Cheshire to keep our communities safe.”

STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code