Manhunt underway as prisoner serving 23 year sentence for attempted murder escapes prison

Kieran Cameron has extensive links to Liverpool

20:40, 07 Jan 2026Updated 22:04, 07 Jan 2026

Kieran Cameron is wanted by police(Image: Cheshire Police )

A man serving a prison sentence for attempted murder is wanted by police after absconding from prison. Kieran Cameron, 43, was reported missing from HMP Thorn Cross at 8.20pm on Tuesday, January 6.

He is currently serving a 23-year sentence for an attempted murder in Dorset in 2016. Portsmouth Crown Court heard Cameron and a second man, Michael O’Rourke, stabbed a 22-year-old man, who was from Poole, around 10 times.

The court was told both Cameron and O’Rourke, who is formerly of Weldon Street in Walton, had been under threat from a rival gang. They sought to kill the victim who was known to them to lay the blame at the door of their rivals.

Police said the victim suffered 10 stab wounds to the stomach, neck and back of the head in the February 2016 attack. At the time, Detective Sergeant Jamie Halford, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I am satisfied with the sentence handed down by the courts.

“Violent knife-related crime is completely unacceptable and this case shows that police and the courts will investigate and come down heavily on anyone carrying out such vicious attacks.

Michael O’Rourke, who was jailed for attempted murder

“This was a pre-planned assault by O’Rourke and Cameron that could have so easily led to the death of a young man.

“I would like to pay tribute to the quick thinking of members of the public who came to the victim’s aid and the excellent medical staff at Poole Hospital who treated him.”

Cheshire Police issued an appeal today, Wednesday January 7, calling for the public’s help to trace Cameron.

Cameron is described as white, around 5ft 6in tall, of medium build, with heavily receding hair and a ginger and grey beard. He is known to have extensive links to Liverpool, Manchester, and Dorset.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Henderson, of the Serious and Organised Crime Unit at Cheshire Police, said:

“We are appealing for the help of the public to trace Kieran Cameron, who is unlawfully at large after leaving HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington.