A CONVICTED burglar with links to Basingstoke has gone missing from an open prison.

Mark Cresswell, who is serving a prison sentence for burglary and handling stolen goods, has absconded from HMP Leyhill in South Gloucestershire.

He left there with another prisoner, Ashley Tessyman, 30, who was serving a prison sentence for burglary and robbery in 2006.

Both men were last seen on Monday, July 21 and were subsequently reported missing. Police say they may now be travelling together.

Cresswell is described as a white man, 1.73metres tall with an average build, brown eyes and short, dark hair. He has tattoos on his arms, is from Hampshire and police said he may go to Basingstoke or Portsmouth.

Tessyman has links to Leeds and Cornwall. He is described as white, around 1.66metres tall with a slim build, fair, short hair and blue eyes. He has tattoos on his left arm.

Anyone who knows where they are currently is asked to call 999 immediately.