The most famous fugitive: On the run for 60 years

The world's most famous prison escapee, John Patrick Hannan still holds the record for the longest escape, which now stands at 60 years.

He escaped from Dorset's Verne Prison in Portland (England), by jumping over a wall using several sheets connected together in December 1955.

He was 22 years old when he escaped from prison, and has been at large for six decades, despite numerous police appeals for his capture.

Although he is still technically on the wanted list, Dorset Constabulary gave up an active search for him 20 years ago.

It is not known whether Hanan is alive (if he is, he is 82 years old), but it is suspected that he lives in Ireland, of which he is a citizen.

Great Britain has had problems with fugitives before, and one of the most famous is Ronnie Biggs, who turned himself in to the police after 32 years on the run (Roni was wanted for train robbery).

The record for the longest escape was previously held by Leonard Frisco, from Nevada, who was on the run for 45 years and 11 months.

Hanan served 21 months in prison for stealing a car and assaulting two police officers.

An Irishman escaped from prison with his cellmate, Gwyneth Thomas, using prison sheets.

The pair then broke into a local gas station, where they "helped themselves" to beer and cigarettes, before boarding the ferry.

Thomas was arrested 16 hours after the escape, near Dorchester.

Hanan, on the other hand, managed to escape the chase, which included sniffer dogs, as well as several roadblocks.

It is believed that he quickly transferred to his native Ireland.

In 1998 Dorset Police sent out an appeal for Hanan to come forward.

"If you're reading this Mr Hannan, please get in touch, we'd love to hear from you," a police spokesman said at the time.

Verne Prison in Dorset closed in 2013.