A picture has been released of a man who escaped custody at Southampton Crown Court, three days after he managed to get free.

Hampshire police have warned anyone who sees James John Moncrieff Poole, 31, of Eastleigh, to call 101 immediately, after he was summoned to court on Wednesday.

A statement issued by officers reminded the public that anyone found to be harbouring Poole to deliberately obstruct attempts to find him "may be committing an offence and be liable for arrest themselves".

James is white, around six-foot three-inches tall, of stocky build and has ginger hair.

READ MORE: Police searching for man who escaped Southampton Courts

A spokesperson for Hampshire police said: "Since the incident was reported to us, officers have been conducting enquiries to try and locate him.

"Anyone who sees him, or has any information about where he is, can call 101, quoting the reference 44250304477."

A HM Courts and Tribunals Service spokesperson previously told that Echo that escape incidents are extremely rare and that police are searching for Poole. 

The spokesperson said: "The security measures we have in place ensure escapes from court custody are extremely rare.

"This incident was reported to police immediately and we are supporting Hampshire Constabulary as they work to recapture Mr Poole."