A convicted attempted murderer who fled from an open prison in Cheshire has been arrested and returned to custody, police have confirmed.
Escape and Manhunt
Kieran Cameron, 43, was reported missing from HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington at approximately 9.20pm on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. The inmate was serving a substantial 23-year sentence for an attempted murder committed in Dorset back in 2016.
Following his disappearance, Cheshire Police launched a public appeal, warning that Cameron had extensive links to areas including Manchester, Liverpool, and Dorset. The force urgently advised members of the public not to approach him and to dial 999 immediately if he was spotted.
Arrest in Manchester
The search concluded on Thursday, 8 January 2026, when officers from the Cheshire Police Serious and Organised Crime unit located and detained Cameron. The arrest took place in the Hulme area of Manchester, bringing a swift end to the two-day manhunt.
Authorities have not yet released specific details regarding the circumstances that led to his recapture. However, the arrest underscores the coordinated efforts of specialised police units in tracking down high-risk fugitives.
Public Safety and Prison Security
This incident raises immediate questions about the security protocols at open prisons and the risk assessment of inmates placed in such facilities. The public warning issued by police highlights the serious potential threat posed by absconders serving long sentences for violent crimes.
Cameron's return to custody will be a relief to communities in the regions where he was known to have connections. The case is likely to prompt reviews of the procedures for managing prisoners with histories of serious violence within the open estate.
