A major manhunt unfolded at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham after a 32-year-old suspect escaped police custody.

The search involved tens of officers and police vehicles, a helicopter, drone unit and police dogs.

The suspect fled near Accident and Emergency, sparking a large police presence throughout the hospital grounds of the Major Trauma Hospital in the Selly Oak area of the city on Sunday 3rd August morning.

West Midlands Police confirmed: 'Shortly after 9.30am today (Sun), a man who had been arrested has escaped from lawful custody while receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

'Officers are currently searching for the 32-year-old who is wanted on recall to prison and is suspected of shop theft.

'People with information about his whereabouts should contact us by ringing 999 quoting log number 658 of 3 August.'

The helicopter was circling low above the hospital buildings and even police dogs were involved in the search, which was ongoing from around 10am.

A hospital employee, who did not want to be named said: ‘They [police] had arrested someone and were about to put him in the police van outside Accident and Emergency.

‘They were going to put him in handcuffs but he saw his opportunity and legged it.

‘The police have been searching for the last half an hour.

‘It must be someone serious although it won’t be a prisoner though as they usually come handcuffed to a bed with G4S security.’

At one point five police cars were parked up next to the 'Heritage Building' with several more driving slowly around the perimeter looking for the escapee.

ENDS