A MANHUNT has been launched after a 27-year-old detainee escaped from police custody while he was being escorted at a hospital.

Kye Thomas, from Basingstoke, was being accompanied by police at a hospital in Winchester when he managed to get away on the afternoon of November 29. 

Thomas is described as being around five feet and ten inches tall with ginger hair.

He also has links to Andover, and police have been carrying out enquiries in the town, as well as Basingstoke and Winchester.

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The police statement in full is as follows: "Can you help us find Kye Thomas?

"The 27-year-old is wanted for escaping lawful custody while being escorted at hospital in Winchester earlier this afternoon (November 29).

"Our officers have been conducting extensive searches this evening to locate him.

"However, we are now turning to the public for assistance.

"Thomas is described as being white, around 5ft 10ins tall, and with ginger hair.

"We are carrying out enquiries in Basingstoke this evening, but Thomas also has links to Andover.

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"If you have seen him, or have any information on his whereabouts, please do not approach him, instead please call 999, quoting the reference number 1176 of today's date (November 29).

"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"Anyone found to be harbouring Thomas in order to deliberately obstruct our attempts to locate him may be committing an offence themselves and be liable for arrest."