GWENT Police are appealing for information that could lead to the recapture of a 28-year-old man who has absconded from HMP Prescoed.

Members of the public are being asked not to approach Gavin Williams, who was convicted of actual and grevious bodily harm at Cardiff Crown Court in March 2009, but to call police on 101.

He is described as 5ft 10in tall, of medium build, with short brown hair, and blue eyes.

It is believed there may be a potential risk to the public, but Gwent Police has activated its operational plan to try to find him.

He is believed to have contacts in Maesteg, Bridgend and Cardiff.