The first inmate to escape from a prison ship moored on the Dorset coast remains on the run.

David Beech, 28, was reported missing from HMP Weare at Portland on Sunday afternoon.

Beech is serving two years for threatening behaviour but Dorset Police said he is not considered to be dangerous.

The search is now being focused on Guildford, Surrey, where Beech has family links.

Full inquiry

On Monday three people were bailed after being arrested in Guildford on suspicion of assisting in the escape of Beech.

A Home Office spokesman said a full inquiry had begun into the escape.

HMP Weare, moored in Portland harbour, is Britain's first prison ship for 200 years and has about 400 inmates.

The vessel was towed across the Atlantic from the US in 1997.