Authorities are conducting a manhunt for an inmate who escaped from a Gloucestershire prison, with police advising the public to avoid any contact with him.

Gary Rootham, who was serving sentences for robbery and burglary at HMP Leyhill, fled the facility, according to Avon and Somerset Police.

He was last spotted by prison staff around 4:50 p.m. on Friday, dressed in a dark Nike polo shirt, dark jogging bottoms, and black trainers with white soles.

Rootham was last seen on CCTV footage.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson urged, "If you spot Rootham, please do not approach him."

The police also provided a description: Rootham is approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, with short dark brown hair and typically clean-shaven. He has connections to Reading and Cornwall.

The force has urged anyone with information about Rootham's whereabouts to call 999.