A MAN who was previously jailed for accidentally shooting himself in the face with an illegal pistol has escaped police custody at Whiston Hospital.
Anthony McCall, 39, was previously jailed for five years and four months in 2024 after shooting himself in the face with a firearm in St Helens.
He is now the subject of a police manhunt after escaping officers while being assessed at Whiston Hospital on Thursday, November 5.
McCall, who has no fixed address, was handcuffed at the time, with his wrists cuffed together.
Merseyside Police said he was also wanted for breaching his licence conditions following his release from prison for a previous offence.
The incident leading to his arrest yesterday began shortly before 4pm when officers spotted a red Ford Focus travelling along Mill Lane.
They attempted to stop the vehicle after noticing the driver was not wearing a seatbelt, but the car was driven away.
Officers pursued it to the roundabout at junction six of the M62, where it crashed with another car.
Three men inside were detained at the scene.
A 21-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle.
A 24-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle.
Both were taken into custody for questioning.
McCall - who had been the subject of a wanted appeal issued by Merseyside Police - was taken to Whiston Hospital for assessment but escaped from officers and made off on foot.
An internal investigation into the circumstances of his escape is underway.
Residents in Whiston reported a large police presence last night as news emerged that a man had fled police custody.
Jailed after shooting himself in face with pistol
McCall was previously jailed for five years and four months after being convicted of firearms offences following an incident in Parr in February 2024.
Emergency services were called to a house on Derbyshire Hill Road shortly before midday on February 19 after a man was injured.
McCall had accidentally fired a self-loading pistol into his own face, sustaining a gunshot wound which required surgery.
He was subsequently found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court of possessing a firearm, possessing ammunition without a certificate, and possessing a firearm and ammunition while prohibited from doing so for life.
He was sentenced to five years and four months in prison.
Police appeal for information
McCall is described as white, around 5ft 8in tall, of medium build, with short fair hair and blue eyes.
He speaks with a Liverpool accent and has links to the St Helens and Liverpool areas.
Superintendent Geoff Stewart said: "We understand the concern this incident will cause, and it is vital the public can see McCall's face so they can report any sightings and help us bring him back into custody as soon as possible.
"We are appealing for anyone who has seen or heard from him to please do the right thing and come forward.
"If you assist him in any way, you will bring police to your own door, so it is not an association worth keeping."
Police said they were carrying out extensive enquiries, including foot patrols and CCTV investigations.
Anyone who sees McCall is urged to call 999 immediately.
Information can also be passed to police via 101 or by direct message to @MerPolCC on social media, quoting reference 26000886534.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Share