TWO prisoners who were jailed after attacking people with weapons have absconded from jail.

Jonathan Ewing, 44, formerly of Heatley Way, Greenstead, Colchester, disappeared from Hollesley Bay prison overnight between Sunday and Monday.

He wa serving an indeterminate sentence for wounding and GBH with intent after breaking into a property in Duffield Drive, Colchester, and attacking brothers with a gun.

He is white, 5ft 11, with a slight build, balding brown hair and blue eyes.

He has a number of tattoos and piercings.

Paul Devereux, 42, with connections to Sudbury fled on the same night.

He was serving a life sentence for robbery with an imitation firearm.

He is white, around 5ft 9ins tall, of stocky build, with short brown hair, brown eyes and several tattoos including a snake/dagger design on his forearm.

He has connections to the Sudbury area of Suffolk.

The public have been warned not to approach the men but to call police immediately if they spot them.

Det Insp Caroline Millar said: "Both men are reliant on medication, which it appears they have not taken with them, therefore there is the risk of harm to themselves.

"A number of enquiries have been made since the men were reported missing, and these enquiries will continue.

"Both men are quite distinctive in the way they look, particularly Ewing who has a number of tattoos and facial piercings.

"Although it would appear that they absconded at the same time it is not clear at this stage whether they would have stayed together, or gone their separate ways.

"We would urge people to call us straight away if they see either of the two men, or have any information as to their whereabouts.”

If you can help please contact Suffolk Police or your nearest police station on 101.