ALERT: Police launch manhunt as three prisoners with Irish connections escape from custody

One of the largest police forces in the UK has issued a public appeal for help in tracing three men, with strong connections to Ireland, who have absconded from prison.

In a public notice, Thames Valley Police say Jason MacDonagh (34), Daniel Harty (34) and Barney Casey (24) all absconded from HMP Springhill at around 6pm on Monday.

Thames Valley Police is the largest non-metropolitan force in England and Wales and is responsible for three counties, just outside London - Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire.

It says all three men are known to frequent a number of locations in England as well as the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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In their appeal, they say Jason MacDonagh is around 5ft 9ins tall, of medium build and has ginger hair. He has facial hair and was last seen wearing grey tracksuit trousers and a white vest.

Barney Casey is around 5ft 9ins tall, of small build and has black hair. He has slight facial hair and a moustache and goatee beard. He was last seen wearing a grey tracksuit.

Daniel Harty is also around 5ft 9ins tall, of slim build with black hair and a black beard. He was last seen wearing a blue jacket and grey joggers.

Police staff investigator, Claire Busby said: “We are appealing to the public for any information around MacDonagh, Casey and Harty’s whereabouts, or anyone who may see them to get in touch. We would advise members of the public not to approach them."