3 August 2012 Last updated at 10:30 ET

Huddersfield killer David Mitchell absconds from prison

David Mitchell was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his estranged partner

A man from West Yorkshire who is serving a life sentence for murder has absconded from a Lancashire prison.

David Mitchell, 44, left HMP Kirkham, in Preston, at about 06:30 BST on Tuesday 31 July to take part in a work placement but he failed to arrive.

He may have returned home to Huddersfield, said Lancashire Police.

Members of the public were not believed to be at risk, but anyone with information about Mitchell's location was asked to contact Lancashire Police.

'Smallest details'

Mitchell, who is serving life for the murder of his estranged partner in 1991, is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, medium build with brown, cropped, receding hair and blue eyes.

He has been held at HMP Kirkham, a semi-open prison, since March 2012.

Det Supt Andy Murphy, from Lancashire Police, said it was "important" that Mitchell was found and returned to custody as soon as possible.

"If anyone has any information then I would appeal to them to get in touch. Even the smallest details could prove crucial as we try to locate him," he said.