Authorities in Greater Manchester have launched a manhunt for Marwan Jumaa, a 20-year-old prisoner who escaped from North Manchester Hospital during a medical transfer. Jumaa, who is currently serving an indefinite secure hospital sentence for violent offences, is considered a significant risk to both himself and the public. Police are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward.
Escape Circumstances
Jumaa was transferred to the hospital for treatment on Tuesday evening when he made his escape. Security footage released by police shows him calmly walking out of the hospital in a light blue T-shirt, raising immediate concerns about public safety. Following his disappearance, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have issued an urgent appeal, advising the public not to approach him but to contact authorities directly if he is sighted.
Jumaa is described as a Sudanese national with a slim build, short dark hair, and stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall. He has known connections to various areas, including Bury, Prestwich, and Crumpsall in Greater Manchester, as well as Leeds and London.
Criminal Background
Court documents reveal that Jumaa has a troubling criminal history. In January 2026, he pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to a series of violent offences committed in London the previous July. These included assaulting an emergency worker—a police officer—robbing a woman, and inflicting grievous bodily harm on another victim. Following his sentencing in April, he was placed in the secure facility, where he was being held until his escape.
Police Response
Detective Chief Inspector Abigail Cronin from GMP expressed the urgency of the situation. “We are urging anybody to come forward who may have information about Marwan’s whereabouts,” she stated, acknowledging the heightened concern within the community. “I want to assure you that we have officers working around the clock to find Marwan and return him to hospital as soon as possible.”
Detective Superintendent Amber Waywell added that while there is no current indication that Jumaa intends to cause immediate harm, the public should remain vigilant. “We have extensive resources dedicated to locating him and returning him to lawful custody,” she said.
Community Safety Measures
In light of Jumaa’s escape, police are actively deploying specialist units, including the Force Critical Wanted Unit (FCWU), to aid in the search. Officers have been actively patrolling areas where Jumaa is believed to have connections. Residents are being encouraged to report any suspicious activity or potential sightings to assist in the safe apprehension of the escaped prisoner.
Why it Matters
The escape of Marwan Jumaa underscores significant concerns regarding public safety and the management of violent offenders. As police intensify their search efforts, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in handling individuals deemed a threat to society. The community’s cooperation in reporting sightings is crucial, as the ongoing manhunt reflects broader issues of crime and safety in urban environments. Ensuring that such individuals are swiftly returned to custody is essential not only for public peace but also for the integrity of the criminal justice system.
