Officers have been stationed outside Colston's School and are searching two Bristol beauty spots this afternoon.
Concerned residents contacted Bristol Live after spotting police in Snuff Mills and Stoke Park.
A police helicopter has also been scrambled to take part in the operation.
People in the area claim around 15 police cars and a riot van are in the area.
A witness said: "I spoke to a police officer and just said 'what’s going on?'
"He said 'we are looking for someone. I’m walking in Snuff Mills and they're currently flying the helicopter just outside.
"There’s a school but there are loads by there."
Pictures show police vehicles in the area outside Colston's School.
Bristol Live has contacted Avon and Somerset Constabulary for comment.
In other news today, video footage has emerged of a member of Pontins staff telling a man to stop filming the response to an emergency incident at its Brean Sands resort.
While, a man has been jailed for 12 years after he stabbed a dad in the face and chest.
In a row over drugs, Ashley Burt used a blade described as being "like a sword" to hurt father-of-six Michael Stewart – who had refused to give him crack cocaine.
Are you at the scene? Send in your comments and photographs to emma.grimshaw@reachplc.com
Key Events
Manhunt still underway following prisoner escape
Police are still searching for a prisoner who escaped while being transferred on the M32.
Escaped prisoner still at large
Good morning. A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Constabulary has confirmed this morning that the man who escaped while being transferred between prisons on the M32 is still at large. We will bring you further updates as we get them.
Witness saw 'absconder'
A witness saw someone she believed to be the prisoner running over a steep embankment.
She said: “My friend and I were travelling along to M32 this afternoon towards junction1, Filton and saw the prisoner van with the rear window kicked out, along with 4 prison officers on our side of the motorway.
“The prisoner was climbing the steep embankment on the opposite side of the motorway, towards Stapleton. He would have come out in the estate to the right of the Colstons school, just after the garage on the right of the road from the school.”
Police confirm absconder's convictions
The absconder, who sparked a major manhunt today, was serving time for being in possession of an offensive weapon, battery and driving offences.
Statement from Ministry of Justice
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “A prisoner from HMP Bristol has escaped whilst in transit on Thursday 21 February and we are working closely with the police to locate him.”
Police hunting absconder
a police spokesperson has said the force is hunting for a 37-year-old who escaped while being transferred between prisons.
The man was being transferred on the M32 when he managed to flee officers.
He was being moved from HMP Bristol which is a Category B men’s prison.
Search concluded?
Photographer Michael Lloyd said it looks like the manhunt may have been concluded.
He said most officers have now left the area.
Search moved to Snuff Mills
Our photographer Michael Lloyd said officers have moved their search into the centre of Snuff Millks.
'Search for wanted man'
Avon and Somerset Police has confirmed that officers are searching for a wanted man.
Witness says police stationed outside school
A witness posted on Facebook: “Riot van and car outside of Colstons and Dutchess Gate and all down the road toward M32.”
