A COMMUNITY is demanding to know why they weren’t given more information about a violent prisoner who managed to escape from prison in the heart of their village.

Dean Walker, 32, absconded from HMP Haverigg on Friday morning after being locked up earlier this year for a knife-point robbery.

Walker was eventually located by officers in Manchester on Sunday night but some residents are still in disbelief about the lack of information and advice from officials.

Mayor of Millom and Copeland Borough Councillor for Haverigg Ward, Doug Wilson, said: “People were talking about it, and they were quite concerned – especially the elderly and those who live alone, and no one seemed to know what was going on.

“It seemed like it was too much of an embarrassment to let people know what had happened.

“They were thinking of publicity first but there should have been more of a concern for public safety.”

Helicopter searches and patrols across the area were conducted before forces began liaising with Lancashire Police and Greater Manchester Police, believing Walker might have tried to go home.

But Mr Wilson and his wife Felicity believe the public were not kept up-to-date nor given appropriate advice.

He advised worried friends and residents to lock their doors and windows and report anything suspicious to the authorities.

The mayor wants to see “active engagement” from the prison saying he would like an “interface” set up where staff and council members can meet face to face to discuss changes or issues and express concerns.

Mr Wilson added “I think the prison needs the support of the local community to function in an effective way.

“It needs all the support it can get from the local community and it won’t get it by avoiding us and failing to communicate.”