Murder suspect escapes from unit

A suspected murderer is at the centre of a police manhunt after he escaped from a mental health unit.

Scotland Yard warned members of the public not to approach John Claydon, 28, who is accused of a murder in Bath in April.

Claydon escaped from Springfield Hospital, Wandsworth, south London, on Tuesday night with a second man, John Slavin, 44, who also faces trial for violent offences.

Police, including dog handlers and a helicopter team, have been hunting for the two men.

Investigators are trawling CCTV footage from the hospital and have brought in extra officers from the Met's Territorial Support Group.

Claydon, described as white, approximately 5ft 11in tall and of medium build, has cropped dark-brown hair, a heavily scarred face and a gold tooth.

Police said he has links to the Kensington and Chelsea areas of London.

Slavin, described as white, approximately 6ft 3in tall and of thin build, has tattoos on his left arm and hand.

Police have warned members of the public not to approach either man.

© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

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