Authorities in Greater Manchester have launched a manhunt for Marwan Jumaa, a 20-year-old prisoner who escaped custody during a hospital visit on Tuesday evening. Jumaa, currently serving an indefinite secure hospital sentence for violent offences, was being treated at North Manchester Hospital when he fled, prompting urgent police appeals for public assistance.
Details of the Escape
Jumaa was transferred from a secure hospital facility to North Manchester for medical care when he absconded. The escape occurred during what should have been a routine visit, raising questions about security protocols in place for transporting high-risk inmates.
A CCTV video released by the police shows Jumaa calmly walking away from the hospital in a light blue T-shirt, illustrating the ease with which he managed to evade capture. Authorities have since circulated this footage to aid their search and have urged the public not to approach him if spotted, but rather to contact the police immediately by calling 999.
Description and Background
Jumaa, who is a Sudanese national, is described as having a thin build with short dark hair, standing approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall. He is considered a risk to both himself and others, having previously been convicted of multiple violent crimes. In January of this year, Jumaa pleaded guilty to three charges at Woolwich Crown Court, including assaulting a police officer, robbery, and inflicting grievous bodily harm on two women during a series of attacks in London on July 17, 2025. His legal troubles began when he was imprisoned at HMP Belmarsh in March, with sentencing following shortly thereafter in April 2026.
Police Response and Community Safety
Detective Chief Inspector Abigail Cronin of Greater Manchester Police has issued a strong appeal for anyone with information regarding Jumaa’s whereabouts to come forward. She acknowledged that his escape might raise alarm within the community but reassured the public that officers are dedicated to locating him swiftly and returning him to custody.
“While we have no intelligence suggesting an imminent threat to the public, we must approach this situation with caution,” said Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell. “We are fully mobilising our resources to ensure Jumaa is found and apprehended.”
Police have identified areas where Jumaa may have connections, including Bury, Prestwich, and Crumpsall, as well as further afield in Leeds and London.
Community Concerns
The escape of a prisoner with Jumaa’s history naturally raises concerns among local residents. Many fear for their safety, given the nature of his past offences. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Local police teams are actively engaging with the community, reassuring them of the ongoing efforts to resolve the situation. Officers have been deployed in areas where Jumaa is believed to be hiding, and they are maintaining a visible presence to deter any potential risks.
Why it Matters
The incident underscores the critical importance of security measures in the transport and treatment of high-risk prisoners. As police intensify their search for Jumaa, the community grapples with the implications of his escape. It raises pressing questions about the safety of hospital visits for incarcerated individuals and how authorities can better protect the public from those with a history of violence. The outcome of this manhunt will not only affect the immediate safety of the community but could also influence future policies regarding the management of dangerous offenders in healthcare settings.
