Gwent Police are appealing for information regarding HMP Prescoed absconder 28-year-old Gavin Williams.

He was convicted of Actual and Grevious Bodily Harm at Cardiff Crown Court in March 2009. He is not serving a life sentence and is not a registered sex offender.

Its believed he has contacts in Maesteg, Bridgend and Cardiff.

Williams is described as five feet 10 inches tall, short brown hair, blue eyes and of medium build.

It is believed there may be a potential risk to the public due to the fact that he is no longer in the custody of the prison service.

Gwent Police has activated its operational plan with the aim of locating the individual and the prison are co-operating fully.

Members of the public are asked not to approach Williams and to call police on 101.