escaped from Prison Service officers at Magistrate's Court.

Police moved in and conducted a search for Gordal Smith, 28, in the Happy Valley area -- but late last night he was still on the loose.

A Police spokeswoman said last night that Smith had escaped around 4.30 p.m.

Police patrols were put on the alert for the escapee, who is not thought to be a danger to the public.

She said Police officers would meet officials from the Prison Service this morning to co-ordinate a full-scale search.

The Police spokeswoman was unable to say how many prison officers were guarding Smith or how he staged the escape.