FACE A KILLER…On the run murderer Thomas Valliday

POLICE are searching for a convicted murderer who escaped from prison staff on Friday afternoon.

Thomas Valliday is unlawfully at large from Maghaberry prison while at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald.

Police have issued a warning to the public not to approach the 27-year-old as he is considered dangerous.

Valliday was told in March 2010 that he would serve at least 17 years of a life sentence for the murder of west Belfast man Frank ‘Bap’ McGreevy.

He attacked the 51-year-old former IRA prisoner in his flat in Ross Street in Belfast in March 2008.

Valliday, also from west Belfast, was high on a cocktail of drink and drugs when he battered Mr McGreevy with a variety of weapons, including a pick-axe handle.

Mr McGreevy died three days later.

Police are urging anyone who may see Valliday to call them on the 101 non-emergency number