A police manhunt is under way after a double killer absconded from an open prison for the second time.

The Prison Service said officers are working to "urgently" recapture Darren Pilkington following his escape from HMP Kirkham in Lancashire earlier today (Friday).

The 39-year-old was jailed in 2006 for murdering his then girlfriend Carly Fairhurst.

He had also been locked up five years previously at the age of 15 for beating to death Paul Akister outside a pub, reports LancsLive.

Over the past decade he has been released four times but recalled on each occasion after breaking rules and ­going on drink and drug binges.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "The prison and police are working together urgently to recapture the offender.

"While absconds have halved since 2010, the deputy prime minister has introduced greater scrutiny of Parole Board recommendations on open prison moves.

"Those who abscond face tough consequences, including being returned to closed prison conditions and serving additional time behind bars."

The last time he was moved to an open prison he went on the run, but was caught after five days as a fugitive.

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A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Darren Pilkington, aged 39, was last seen at HMP Kirkham on 25 May 2022. He is currently serving a life license for manslaughter.

"If you see him contact police on 999. If you have any further information on Pilkington's whereabouts, call 101."

Pilkington pushed Ms Fairhurst down the stairs during a late-night row at a house in Higher Ince, Wigan.

She was left with critical injuries for 12 hours before Pilkington called an ambulance.

She never regained consciousness and died a week later.

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