The police in Westmoreland have launched a search for four prisoners who escaped from the Whithorn lock-up yesterday morning.

The men have been identified as: Twenty-seven-year-old Omar 'Kid Ralph' Ralph, who is charged in connection with the December 2010 murder of Lyndon Seivwright. He is of dark complexion, about 165 centimetres (5 feet 5 inches) tall, medium build and has low cut hair. His last known address is Llandilo Phase 6, Savanna-la-Mar, and he is said to frequent the areas of Spring Field district, Spring Garden and Keto district in Westmoreland.

Edward Smalling, 30, also known as 'Eddy' and 'Blacks' is charged with receiving stolen property. Smalling is of dark complexion, medium build, has low cut hair and is about 182 centimetres (6 feet) tall. He is said to frequent the areas of Petersfield district, Retreat and Strathbogie all in Westmoreland.

Twenty-year-old Romain Smith is charged for the January 2011 murder of Ryan Langley, while 19-year-old Aldane Peterkin is charged for rape.

Both Smith and Peterkin are slim built, about 172 centimetres (5 feet 8 inches) tall and have low hair cuts. Smith, however, is of fair complexion and is said to frequent the areas of Lenox district, Big Woods and Darliston all in Westmoreland. Peterkin is of dark complexion and is from Bethel Town in the parish.

Reports from the Whithorn police are that between 4 and 6 a.m. the men escaped through a hole in the wall of the lock-up.

Anyone with information that could lead to the recapture of the prisoners are being asked to contact the Whithorn police at 957-7713, Crime Stop at 311, Kingfish at 811, police 119 emergency number or the nearest police station.