Southampton: Manhunt after arrested man flees police at hospital

Anthony Arnold, from Southampton, had been arrested on suspicion of robbery, criminal damage and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. 

But at 11.22am today, he escaped custody from the hospital in Tremona Road where he was receiving treatment.

READ MORE: Police looking for man who escaped custody at hospital

Police believe he headed in the direction of Holybrook Cemetery, where officers were seen searching the area throughout the morning.

Lyle Hackett from Southampton was tending a grave when he noticed police nearby.

Lyle Hackett (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "I saw two young policemen and two more further over with at least one dog.

"They said they were looking for someone from the hospital and were waiting for a helicopter.

"They asked us to go back to our car because they wanted to keep the area clear.

"They said they would let us know when it was OK to go back and they did, but it was a good half an hour."

Four police cars and a motorbike were seen at the cemetery with officers going from row to row as part of their search. 

The police helicopter left the area at around 2pm.

Officers were also seen patrolling roads nearby this afternoon with resident, Lisa Parker, who was visiting her mum in Vine Road, reporting seeing officers knocking on doors and a helicopter flying overhead.

She said: "It was a surprise. A police van went up and down.

"It is worrying us at the moment, my mum lives here and it worries me because she’s 84."

Police in Vine Road (Image: Newsquest)

Arnold is 5ft 11in tall, white, of slim build, with very short blonde hair and blue eyes. 

He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with yellow shoulders, grey jogging bottoms and white socks.

A police spokesperson said: "If anyone has any information about his whereabouts or has seen him, please do not approach him but call 999 quoting reference 44230322138.

"We would like to remind people that anyone found to be harbouring Arnold to deliberately obstruct our attempts to locate him may be committing an offence and be liable for arrest and prosecution themselves."