Police in the West Midlands have appealed for the public's help to trace a convicted burglar who has absconded from an open prison.

Richard Cartwright, 26, was sentenced to five years in November 2008 after being found guilty of robbery, affray, assault and burglary charges.

He was granted to serve the remainder of his sentence at the open prison HMP Sudbury, from which he absconded on June 16, according to police.

Officers believe Cartwright has links to the Sutton Coldfield and Tamworth areas.

He is described as white, 6ft 1in, slim build, and has short brown hair, and has been urged to to hand himself in at his nearest police station.

Members of the public with information about Cartwright, or who see a man matching his description, are asked not to approach him but to contact police by dialling 999.

Alternatively, anyone with information about his possible whereabouts can contact officers at Sutton Coldfield police station on 0345 113 5000.