CONVICTED gangland killer was on the run last night after being sprung from a prison van on his way to court.
Richard Smith, 29 - once dubbed one of Britain's most wanted men - was freed after two thugs ambushed security guards, threatening them with a crowbar.
Smith was then driven away in a white Ford Transit van, which was later found abandoned. Police warned people not to approach the violent fugitive as a nationwide manhunt began.
Smith had been on his way to Salford Magistrates' Court after being charged over an arson attack on a garage in Walkden, Lancs.
In 2001 he was jailed for five-and-a-half years for the manslaughter of former paratrooper Ben Kamanalagi, 28.
The nightclub doorman, who had a heavily-pregnant girlfriend, was battered with a fence post after ejecting Smith and three pals from a Manchester bar in 1999.
The men went into hiding but were collared after a high-profile hunt. Smith then caused uproar by smiling and giving a thumbs-up after he and a pal were sentenced.
It is believed he was freed in 2003.
Det Insp Clare Devlin, of Salford CID, said last night: "If you see him, don't approach him. Call 999 immediately."
Smith is described as 5ft 10in, and heavily built with green eyes, brown hair and a tattoo on one finger. He was wearing jeans, a black sweatshirt and Adidas trainers.
Anyone with information is asked to call Salford CID on 0161 856 5351 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111
