A CONVICTED killer has gone missing after being allowed out of prison for the day to visit his family.

James Butler, 26, formerly of Persia Street, Accrington, admitted the manslaughter of 18-year-old Sajjad Mahmood in 1999.

He was jailed for 10 years, a sentence which also included punishment for drugs supply offences.

This week he was allowed to visit his family, who live in the Accrington area, but he did not return to Kirklevington Grange Prison, Cleveland, prompting the police and prison service to launch a hunt for him.

The father of victim Sajjad Mahmood, who lived in Royds Street, Accrington, today said the family was "absolutely heartbroken".

Butler beat Mr Mahmood before forcing him into Haggs Lodge, Accrington, where he later died.

Mr Mahmood's body was found a week later.

Today Mr Arshad Mahmood, Sajjad's father, said he felt his family had been let down by the system again - an inspector and sergeant were disciplined by police in 2001 following an inquiry over delays in investigating Mr Mahmood's disappearance.

He added: "I'm so distressed. Myself, my wife and my family are in pieces over this. Nobody can give us a chance to see our son for the day, why should he get to leave to see his mother?

"It's been very stressful for the family, it has brought back all the memories."

Kirklevington Grange is a resettlement prison for men shortly before their release.

It is understood that Butler was to be given parole in two weeks.

However police said because he had broken the terms of his day-release, that was likely to be scrapped.

To be allowed in Kirklevington, prisoners must show they have a desire to change, need a resettlement regime and that they will be a manageable risk when released.

Police in East Lancashire were informed by prison officials on Wednesday that Butler had gone missing.

Chief Inspector Debbie Howard said: "Following notification by the Prison Service I can confirm that we are now actively trying to locate James Butler after he failed to return to Kirklevington Grange Prison following a community leave day.

"I would like to reassure people that we are doing all we can to trace Butler and that they should not be alarmed. If anyone does see him, or knows his whereabouts, I would ask them call the police immediately."

Anyone with information on Butler's whereabouts is asked to call 01254 51212.