Police Launch Urgent Manhunt After Arrested Man Escapes from Birmingham Hospital

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A major police operation is underway in Birmingham after a 32-year-old man escaped from police custody while receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The man, who is wanted on recall to prison and is also a suspect in a shop theft investigation, fled from officers at approximately 9:30am on Saturday.

West Midlands Police confirmed the escape and have since deployed significant resources to locate the fugitive, including ground officers, drones, police dogs, and a helicopter. The search, which entered its seventh hour by mid-afternoon, has seen law enforcement concentrate efforts around the hospital and surrounding areas.

In an official statement, West Midlands Police said: “Shortly after 9.30am today, a man who had been arrested escaped from lawful custody while receiving treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Officers are currently searching for the 32-year-old who is wanted on recall to prison and is suspected of shop theft.”

Witnesses at the scene reported a substantial police presence following the escape. A hospital staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the suspect fled while officers were preparing to handcuff him before placing him in a police van. “They were about to put him in the van outside A&E when he saw his opportunity and legged it,” the employee said. “Police have been looking for him ever since.”

The dramatic incident has raised questions about the handling of custody procedures, especially when suspects are transported to unsecured medical facilities. While prisoners are typically accompanied by specialist security personnel, this case involved local officers without additional measures, according to accounts from hospital staff.

Police vehicles were seen circling the hospital grounds, and a drone unit scanned the area from above. At least five police cars were stationed near the hospital’s Heritage Building shortly after the alarm was raised.

Authorities have urged anyone with information on the man’s whereabouts to contact police immediately by dialling 999 and quoting log number 658 of 3 August. Officers have not yet released the man’s name but confirmed that he remains at large as of Saturday evening.

The incident is likely to spark renewed scrutiny of police protocols surrounding detainee transfers, particularly in public spaces where escape risks remain a concern. The ongoing search continues to cause disruption in and around the hospital complex, as officers work to bring the situation under control.