Greater Manchester Police has launched a major search operation for a convicted robber who escaped while being transferred from a secure hospital facility to a hospital in the city.
Marwan Jumaa, 20, fled from custody while being taken to North Manchester General Hospital for medical treatment, sparking an urgent police response across Greater Manchester and surrounding areas.
Jumaa was serving an indefinite sentence at a secure hospital facility after being convicted of two robberies that left two women and police officers with serious injuries.
Reports said the Sudanese national, who appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court last year, had been receiving treatment at a secure hospital unit in Greater Manchester while also being held at Belmarsh prison in south London. His sentence was reportedly split between prison custody and hospital treatment.
Police have not disclosed details of the condition for which Jumaa was receiving treatment.
Officers described him as a black male, around 5ft 10ins tall, with a slim build and short dark hair. He is believed to have links to Bury, Prestwich and Crumpsall in Greater Manchester, as well as Leeds and London.
Greater Manchester Police warned that Jumaa should not be approached by members of the public and urged anyone who sees him to call emergency services immediately.
Detective Chief Inspector Abigail Cronin said: “We are urging anybody to come forward who may have information about Marwan’s whereabouts.
“I recognise that this may heighten concern within the community. However, I want to assure you that we have officers working around the clock to find Marwan and return him to hospital as soon as possible.”
Police said specialist teams, including the Force Critical Wanted Unit, have been deployed as officers work with partner agencies to locate him.
Jumaa was last reportedly seen in the Radcliffe area on Tuesday evening.
Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell said officers were using all available resources to return him to custody.
“We have no information to suggest any intention to inflict imminent harm, but ultimately, he is a wanted and dangerous individual,” she said.
The force said it understands public concerns but stressed that dedicated teams are continuing the search.
The Home Office has been contacted for comment regarding Jumaa’s immigration status.
