Police in Northern Ireland are searching for a “dangerous” prisoner after he was mistakenly released from prison.

Michael Lawrence Smith is accused of murder and had been in custody Maghaberry Prison.

The 38-year-old was last seen in the Belfast area at around 12:30pm yesterday, Tuesday 7th March.

PSNI Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes described Smith as “dangerous with a history of violence” and appealed to him to hand himself back in to police.

He also appealed to Smith’s family and friends calling on them to persuade him to give himself up or contact police.

Superintendent Geddes warned members of the public are warned not to approach him but anyone who knows of his current whereabouts or who has any information to contact the PSNI on + 44 2890 650222.