The search to track down and arrest two escaped prisoners from HMP Pentonville continues.

Detectives from the Met's Flying Squad and Homicide and Major Crime Command are now supporting colleagues from Islington CID with the investigation.

The pair, understood to be cellmates, are named as Matthew Baker, 28, and James Whitlock, 31, escaped from HMP Pentonville on Monday November 7.

Baker was found guilty of attempted murder two weeks ago, having stabbed a man in Dagenham following a dispute. He had been remanded for sentencing later this week.

He is described as a white man with ginger hair.

Whitlock was on remand after being charged with conspiracy to burgle over 19 alleged ATM thefts. He is also described as a white man of slim build and has the word 'Tracy' tattooed on his torso.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Heatley, from Islington CID, said: “It is very likely that they are being assisted by others, possibly with somewhere to stay, clothing and money; in order to evade capture. I would appeal to anyone who is helping that they are potentially committing a crime and would encourage them to contact us so that we can bring this matter to a safe and swift conclusion.”

The men reportedly used diamond-tipped cutting equipment to break through bars before scaling a perimeter wall. It has been claimed that their beds were stuffed with pillows to make it look like they were asleep.

The incident has sparked scrutiny of the state of prisons in England and Wales following a slew of warnings about safety.

General Secretary of the union, Steve Gillan, said the focus should fall on the Government rather than officers at the north London jail.

Mr Gillan said: “There has been under-investment in Pentonville for many years.

“We know the focus now will be on Pentonville prison officers but the reality of the situation is the focus should be on Government and their budget cuts that have created this situation."

A woman who visited the jail said an inmate had told her the two prisoners escaped through a cell window on the fifth floor. She said it was rumoured that they had used bed sheets to lower themselves down.

It is not known what clothing either man had when they es-caped from the prison.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information about the two men.

The Metropolitan Police advised the public not to approach the men, but to call 999 if you see them or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.