POLICE are hunting for an arsonist who has escaped prison.

Aaron Thomas is on the run from HMP Springhill.

Police have told the public not to approach him, but to call 999 if they see him.

The 33-year-old was serving time for being in possession of an offensive weapon as well as arson.

He was at the category D prison - which allows convicts to spend time in the community during the day, on licence, to carry out work, education or for other resettlement purposes - before he made a dash for freedom. 

Read more: latest court results for Oxfordshire 

He is described as a stocky white man, who is about 5ft 6ins tall, with cropped or shaved hair.

His eyes are hazel coloured, has recognisable tattoos on both his forearms and both his ears are pierced.

Oxford Mail:

He was last seen wearing a dark green winter jacket, a light blue beanie hat, dark blue jeans or grey patchwork trousers and light tan work boots.

In an appeal online to find him, officers also said it was 'likely' he was wearing dark tinted glasses.

Her is known to Poole in Dorset, Lower Aldershot in Hampshire, Aldershot in Surrey and Reading in Berkshire - but could be anywhere in the Thames Valley. 

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Prescott-Mayling, based at Aylesbury police station, said: “I am appealing for information which will help us find Aaron Thomas.

“If you see him, please do not approach him, instead call us on 999." 

If you can help call police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting 43200065766.