Manhunt launched for convicted killer with ‘West Ham FC’ tattoo who absconded from Leyhill Prison

A convicted killer is on the run from police after absconding from Leyhill open prison.

Marcus Coates, 54, killed Jennie Banner, 32, in August 2011 and left her body for five days.

He was subsequently convicted of manslaughter in 2012.

Police have now launched an appeal after he absconded from Leyhill in South Gloucestershire.

He was last sighted near a bus station in Bristol between 8.30-9.30am on Thursday, October 28.

At the time of his disappearance, Coates was captured on CCTV wearing a blue polo shirt, blue jacket, blue jeans and grey Puma trainers.

He is described as 5 foot 10 inches tall, with blue eyes and receding mousey brown hair.

Most notably, Coates has a number of tattoos - including his own name on his hand.

He also has a heart and West Ham FC on his right arm and a female’s name across his knuckles on his right hand.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: “If you see Coates, don’t approach, call 999 and give reference number 5221253377.

“If you know where he may be, call 101 and use the same reference number.”