POLICE are appealing for information after a cabbie-bashing thug from Sidcup absconded from prison.

Darren Crossgill, 37, of Sidcup Hill Gardens, was handed 12 life sentences for a series of violent robberies in 2002.

He failed to return to HMP Spinghill in Buckinghamshire after being allowed out on temporary release on November 9 this year.

In August 2002, Crossgill and accomplice Leon Walker, went into an Erith food store and beat the assistant with a wheelbrace before robbing the store.

Crossgill also hired minicabs to his destination of choice, where he would assault and threaten the driver before robbing him.

He would then take the car and, using its wheelbrace or a knife as a weapon, rob shops and garages.

In September 2002, Crossgill beat a minicab driver with a wheelbrace in Windermere Road, Bexleyheath, robbing him and leaving him unconscious with head and facial injuries.

Most of his attacks involved cab firms in the Greenwich borough, but he also beat and robbed a passenger who got off a bus in Sewell Road, Thamesmead.

Members of the public are advised not to approach him if seen and call 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.