Police have responded to questions over why they waited three days before warning the public about an armed robber on the run from a Kent prison.

William Pearce, 39, who is serving a life sentence, went missing from HMP Standford Hill on the Isle of Sheppey at around 1.15pm on Monday. Police have only just released details.

Pearce has links to Kent, Sussex, South East London, North London and Birmingham, and is believed to have used a vehicle to travel towards London.

A police spokesman told KentOnline: "Officers have been carrying out their own enquiries and following up various leads throughout the week.

"I should reiterate that Pearce is only potentially dangerous if approached."

Pearce was sentenced to life in prison at Maidstone Crown Court in 2003 for an armed robbery committed in Bexley in January 2001.

Investigating officer, Sam De Lozey, said: "Pearce is viewed as potentially dangerous and violent and I would urge members of the public to not approach him directly, but to immediately call Kent Police on 101 quoting crime reference 09-1031."

Pearce is white, of slim build, has dark shaven hair and brown eyes. He is around 5ft 11 inches tall, has a southern accent and a three inch scar to his left cheek. He also has a one inch scar on his forehead.

He has a tattoo with the words Mum and Dad on his right shoulder, a tattoo with the word Charlie on his left forearm and a tattoo with two stars and the words Charlie Joanne on his left upper arm.