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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Sammy Gecsoyler

Police catch prisoner who escaped during treatment at London hospital

Graham Gomm police image.
Gomm was being treated in hospital after falling ill at the category B men’s prison. Photograph: Metropolitan Police/PA

A prisoner who escaped from a London hospital after falling ill at Wormwood Scrubs prison has been found and arrested.

Graham Gomm, 63, escaped from custody at Hammersmith hospital early on Thursday morning. Gomm had been on remand for burglary offences at the category B men’s prison in the west of the capital.

Gomm was arrested in Putney on Saturday morning. In a statement, the Metropolitan police said: “Police officers from across the Met worked together after being alerted to Graham Gomm’s escape on 18 July. As a result of a proactive operation, officers arrested Gomm in Putney at about 8.30am on 20 July.

“An investigation will continue into Mr Gomm escaping lawful custody.”

The Met were alerted at 1.18am on Thursday that Gomm had allegedly absconded from the hospital. He was last seen wearing a grey T-shirt and grey tracksuit when he went missing.

In a statement released on Friday, the Met said: “Detectives are also concerned for Gomm’s welfare as he was undergoing medical care before he escaped. There is nothing to suggest that Gomm is a threat to the public.”

It is understood that police officers carried out searches, CCTV inquiries and visited a number of addresses connected to Gomm during their effort to find him. The public was warned not to approach him but to call 999.

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