A MAN who was part of a gang that carried out a string of armed raids, including one at a Bradford jewellery shop, has escaped from prison.

Police are appealing for information to trace a convicted armed robber James Beeston, aged 28, who escaped from prison in Cleveland earlier this week.

He was part of a gang jailed in 2013 for a number of armed robberies, including a £100,000 robbery at the Gold Shop in Wakefield Road, Dudley Hill, which saw three masked men use a machete, sledgehammer and baseball bat to rob the store.

Seven robberies were committed during the series of offences and £210,000 of cash or goods stolen. Five men were jailed over the crime spree.

Beeston, of Temple View Road, East End Park, Leeds, admitted two charges of conspiracy and was jailed for ten years in November 2013.

He is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, with fair/brown hair.

It is believed he may be in the Leeds area and officers in the city are currently carrying out enquiries to trace him.

They want to hear from anyone who has seen him or who has any information that could assist in tracing him.

A police spokesman said: "He is not thought to present any immediate risk to the public but anyone who sees him is advised not to approach him and to contact the police on 999 immediately.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting log number 975 of February 16 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."