“Thanks for the sporting comment”: The wanted man mocks the police by posting a call on his social media to find him
- Michael Smith of Chandler’s Ford in Hampshire is wanted for recall to prison
- Hampshire Constabulary posted a call for his whereabouts on Facebook
- Smith commented on the post to say he would see the police “wet wipes” soon
A wanted man has commented on his own police appeal on Facebook as he thanked officers for saying he had an “athletic build”.
Michael Smith, 37, of Chandler’s Ford in Hampshire, is wanted by police for a prison recall after he went missing on Saturday.
Police described him as white, 6 feet tall and of athletic build. He remains missing.
In a bizarre turn of events, Smith then took to the comments on Hampshire Constabulary’s Facebook page and said: “Thanks for the comments on the build up, see you Tuesday with wet wipes”.
Michael Smith, 37, of Chandler’s Ford in Hampshire, is wanted by police for a prison recall after he went missing on Saturday
Smith then took to the comments to say: “Thanks for the comments on the athletic build, see you Tuesday with wet wipes.”
The comment drew 62 laughs before it was removed, according to the Hampshire Chronicle.
Other Facebook users also used the comments to express their amusement about the appeal.
A second Mike Smith even commented on the post, saying: “Not me (or any of my relatives) – I’m a little over 37, not 6 inches tall and those who know me might agree that I’m not quite I’m built so tall!’
Graham Southsea said: “I was years old today when I found out I was an athlete.”
Mark Brooks said: “Last I saw him he won the darts world championship”.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police said Smith has links to the surrounding areas of Eastleigh, Petersfield and Bishopstoke.
Hampshire Constabulary posted an appeal for Smith on their social media sites as he is wanted for prison re-call
Other Facebook users also used the comments to express their amusement about the appeal
Chandler’s Ford is a largely residential area in the Eastleigh Borough of Hampshire.
A Hampshire Police spokesman said: “Our advice to Michael is to throw up as soon as possible.
“We know a lot of people have seen our post on Facebook and we’ve had a lot of support from the public so far.
“Our officers are following investigative lines to find him and we would encourage people to continue sharing the post so we can ensure Michael is returned to prison for the crimes he committed.
“We want to remind the public that harboring a wanted person is a crime that can lead to arrest.”
Anyone who knows Smith or his whereabouts is advised to quote reference 44220429104 and call 101, report the information to the police website or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 080055111.
People are advised not to contact him, but to call 999.
