OFFICIALS yesterday admitted the man who fled an unlocked Littlemore Hospital ward is still a prisoner serving a sentence for stabbing his former lover.

Ian McLean left the mental health hospital on Sunday night and initially police and Oxford Health, which runs Littlemore, did not reveal that he was jailed for life in 2004 for an attack that left too many wounds on his ex-partner for doctors to count.

The Oxford Mail revealed yesterday morning his past before Oxford Health admitted he had been transferred from prison for treatment.

Last night police upgraded its appeal for the public not to approach him, adding this was now because of his long history for violence. Their first appeal to find him only said there was a fear he was a danger to himself.

Oxford Health spokesman Alistair Duncan said: “This individual had been transferred from prison and then followed a pathway, to a point where he was no longer residing in a secure unit.”

He refused to answer further questions on how he escaped. Asked how McLean was able to leave, he added: “We have launched an investigation.”

Police are now working with Interpol as they believe McLean – whose attack was on Michelle Storer in Banbury – is now in mainland Europe.

Anyone with information should call Det Chf Insp Mark Johns on 101 quoting the URN 453 8/7.