TWO people have been arrested on suspicion of assisting a prisoner to escape from Prescoed prison in Usk.

A 37-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman, both from the Bristol area are being held as the search goes on for killer and robber, Brian Grady who absconded from Prescoed prison on Monday.

Brady was sentenced in July 2003 to serve at least 11 years at Bristol Crown Court after being convicted of murder and robbery.

He is described as white, 5ft 11ins, of medium build, with short light brown hair and blue eyes. He has a scar under his left eye and speaks with a Bristol accent.

He is not a registered sex offender.

Monmouth MP David Davies says he has raised the matter of GRady's escape in person with the home secretary, and is contacting Gwent Police to seek assurances they will treat his recapture as a priority.