Police have issued an urgent appeal after a prisoner with links to Essex was reported missing from HMP Hollesley Bay on Friday evening.
Man last seen at prison roll call
Suffolk Police say 41-year-old James Smith failed to attend a roll call at the open prison in Suffolk on 24 July and was subsequently recorded as absconded. Officers describe him as white, approximately 5ft 9in, of slight build with blue eyes and brown hair. He was last noted as wearing a moustache.
The force has emphasised the need for the public to treat sightings as an emergency, particularly because Smith is known to have associations in Ipswich and Essex.
"Anyone who sees Smith is urged to call 999 immediately, quoting CAD 344 of July 24."
What residents should do
- If you see James Smith, call 999 immediately and quote CAD 344 of July 24.
- If you have other information about his whereabouts, contact Suffolk Police on 101.
- Do not approach the individual; let trained officers handle any contact.
The appeal was shared via regional news outlets and carries a public-safety priority because of the individual’s links to communities in and around Essex. Although the person absconded from an open prison — HMP Hollesley Bay — police messaging stresses that absconsions must be treated seriously and reported promptly.
Identification details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | James Smith |
| Age | 41 |
| Height | About 5ft 9in |
| Build | Slight |
| Eye / Hair | Blue eyes, brown hair (last seen with a moustache) |
Local residents should remain vigilant, particularly in areas where the individual is known to have connections. Reporting promptly enables police to manage public safety and increases the chances of a swift resolution.
Anyone with information that is not an immediate sighting is asked to call Suffolk Police on 101. For urgent sightings, contact emergency services on 999 and reference the incident number provided by officers.
