Police issue urgent appeal to find thief convicted of blowing up ATMs across the south of England after they release him from jail by MISTAKE before his sentencing

A police force was today scrambling to track down a convicted thief after he was accidentally released from prison.

Colin Golding was in prison waiting to be sentenced after he was part of gang which raided ATMs by exploding them during a 10-month spree across the south of England.

But, following a blunder, police have admitted the 25-year-old was let out of HMP High Down by accident on August 17, three days ago.

Golding, from Aldershot, Hants, admitted conspiring to steal and conspiring to cause explosions relating to cash machines following the series of thefts between April 2019 and January 2020.

Colin Golding, 25, was in custody awaiting sentencing for a spate of ATM thefts across England's south coast when he was released 'by mistake', Hampshire Police have confirmed

Golding, from Aldershot, Hants, admitted conspiring to steal and conspiring to cause explosions relating to cash machines following the series of thefts between April 2019 and January 2020

ATMs across Hampshire, Thames Valley and Dorset were raided.

Now Hampshire Constabulary is asking the public to help them find the ATM thief.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman, explaining the blunder, said: 'We have been made aware that his release from prison has been ordered in error.

'Officers have carried out extensive enquiries to locate him and we are now turning to the public/you for assistance.

'Golding is from Aldershot, but also has links to the Surrey and Thames Valley areas.

Hampshire Constabulary released this appeal asking the public to help them find the ATM thief

'He is described as being white, around 5ft 9ins tall, of slim build and with short dark hair.'

Detective Inspector Steve Court added: 'We are keen to speak with anyone who has information about Golding's whereabouts.

'I also want to appeal directly to Colin, he knows he needs to return to prison and is awaiting sentencing. Please get in touch with us directly and hand yourself in.

'It is important to remind people that anyone found harbouring him to deliberately obstruct our attempts to find him may be committing an offence and be liable for arrest themselves.'

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: 'Releases in error are very rare but we take them extremely seriously and are working with the police to bring the suspect back into custody.'

The spokesperson would not be drawn on the circumstances of Golding's release. The Courts and Tribunal Service are believed to be looking into the incident.