A convicted murderer described by police as extremely violent was recaptured in West Kensington this week. The Met called in the Tactical Support Group to help carry out the arrest such was the man's reputation for violence.

Graham Topen, aged 33, had escaped from the hospital wing of a West Midlands prison two weeks ago. He had been admitted for a blood transfusion but absconded after Group 4 security failed to follow guidelines and handcuff him.

Six and a half foot Topen, who was originally from Fulham, killed a man in 1992 who he suspected was having an affair with his partner.

Chief Supt Steve Dugmore of West Midlands Police added: "How he escaped will obviously be subject to an investigation and Group 4 security will be looking for lessons to be learnt from this."