EDWARD Stirling (46) was released on prison licence from HMP Stocken Leicestershire yesterday morning.

He was due to travel by taxi and train to accommodation in Gloucester, however he has failed to report in at the address as he was told.

Officers are currently seeking his whereabouts and he is known to have links to the Swindon and Thames Valley area.

Stirling has been assessed as a high risk and police are advising the public not to approach him but to immediately call police via 999.

He is described as a white, with short cropped dark hair,  average build.

His height is 1.7m, and  he speaks with a Northern Irish accent.

He also has tattoos - a tiger head on his left arm and a saint symbol on his right arm.

Stirling was originally born in Lisburn, Northern Ireland and has a history of committing violent offences. These include aggravated burglary, assault and false imprisonment. He has also been known to carry weapons.

He was serving a sentence for an offence committed in Thames Valley, for which he was tried at Oxford Crown Court on 22.05.12.

He was recently released on prison license and was to remain on license until 26.11.16. This was for possession of a firearm with intent to cause violence.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have information as to his whereabouts.

The public are advised not to approach Stirling but to immediately call police via 999.

Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous please call crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.