Pentonville prison fugitives: James Whitlock and Matthew Baker are being hidden by friends, police say

On the run: Matthew Baker and James Whitlock escaped from Pentonville prison
Metropolitan Police
Fiona Simpson8 November 2016
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Two escaped fugitives on the run from Pentonville prison are being offered sanctuary by friends, police have claimed.

The Met Police’s flying squad and murder detectives have been called-in to join a man-hunt for the men who cut through the bars of their cells and scaled the perimeter wall of the north London jail on Monday.

Police have issued a warning to Londoners not to approach the men over fears they may become violent.

Escaped prisoner: James Whitlock is charged with 19 counts of burglary
Met Police

Whitlock was being held on remand charged with 19 counts of conspiracy to burgle from cash machines across the south-east.

The men - understood to be cellmates – are said to have used diamond-tipped cutting equipment to break through bars before scaling a perimeter wall.

It has been claimed that their beds were stuffed with pillows to make it look like they were asleep.

On the run: Matthew Baker was found guilty of attempted murder

Police said on Tuesday that an investigation to find the escaped prisoners is moving at a “fast pace”.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Heatley revealed it was “very likely that they were being assisted by others in order to evade capture.”

He said: “We have received a positive response to our appeals and the flow of information from the public so far has been very good.

"However, I would continue to encourage anyone with information about the current whereabouts of these two men to contact either the police or Crimestoppers in confidence, as soon as possible.

"It is very likely that they are being assisted by others, possibly with somewhere to stay, clothing and money, in order to evade capture.

“I would appeal to anyone who is helping that they are potentially committing a crime and would encourage them to contact us so that we can bring this matter to a safe and swift conclusion."

Police are asking the public to call them on 999 should they see either man, and not to approach them as they could become violent.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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