Inmate absconds from Suffolk prison as police launch manhunt

Police are urging the public to come forward with any information after a prisoner escaped from a Suffolk prison.

Suffolk Police reported that Francis Edwards, 39, was found missing on Wednesday when he failed to show up for a roll call at HM Prison Hollesley Bay.

Edwards is currently serving a sentence of three years and two months for burglary and theft offences. He's described as a Caucasian male, standing at five-foot-11 inches tall, of medium build, with brown hair and blue eyes. He also has a distinctive scar on his upper right arm.

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Police have urged anyone who may have seen Edwards or knows of his whereabouts is strongly encouraged to contact Suffolk Police on 101.

The full police appeal, which was published yesterday, reads: "Police are appealing for help to trace a prisoner who has absconded from Hollesley Bay. Francis Edwards, aged 39, was reported missing to police on Wednesday 3 September 2025, after being absent at a roll call.

"He is serving a three-year and two-month sentence for burglary and theft. Edwards is described as white, 5ft 11ins tall, of medium build, with brown hair, blue eyes and a scar on his right upper arm."

Hollesley Bay is a category D open prison and young offender institution (YOI) for men over 18 in Woodbridge, Suffolk. Up to 655 prisoners are accommodated within 10 Houses at HMP Hollesley Bay over 85 acres.

The majority of prisoners are able to work their way to accessing Return on Temporary Licence (ROTL) to maintain family ties whilst at HMP Hollesley Bay, accessing local towns on day release or release addresses on home leave for up to 4 nights per month. Up to 25% of the regime population is in external employment on ROTL within the community.