A 40-year-old jailed for robbery and class A drug dealing has absconded from a Suffolk prison.

Jay Sharpley was reported missing from Hollesley Bay prison at 6pm yesterday (April 13).

Sharpley is serving eight years and eight months after being jailed for robbery, possession of imitation firearm with intent and concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

He is known to have links to Southend-on-Sea, Essex, Shrewsbury and Bournemouth.

Police have described Sharpley as a white male, 6 feet tall, medium build with brown hair and eyes.

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Notably, he has a distinct neck tattoo stating: 'The strong lead and the weak follow'.

When he absconded he was wearing a grey hoodie, grey basketball cap and blue jeans

Police have begun a search for him but are appealing to the public for information.

If you have seen him or know the location of his whereabouts please do not approach him but contact police on 999 quoting CAD reference SC-13042024-35.