Manhunt for inmate who ‘faked medical emergency’ then escaped from prison van

A full-scale manhunt has been launched for a prisoner who escaped from a prison van while on the motorway on the way to court. According to Lancashire Police[1], Jamie Cooper, 33, escaped from the vehicle on the M55 near junction two by Catforth. On his way to Lancaster Magistrates' Court in a GEOAmey prison van, he reportedly faked a medical issue before overpowering the guards.

The van came to a halt on the M55 close to Junction 2 due to an "on-board medical emergency". Following the stop, guards tried to administer medical aid but were "overpowered and evaded" by Cooper. This has resulted in Cooper becoming a fugitive, with police actively searching for him[2].

The report of the escape came in at approximately 8.54am on Wednesday, as per the statement from the force. Cooper is described as being 5ft 7ins tall, medium build, with short cropped hair, and is believed to be dressed in a blue coat, blue jeans, and black trainers, reports the Mirror[3]. Cooper was facing charges of assaulting a police officer and criminal damage[4], the Lancashire Post reports.

His court appearance was scheduled for Wednesday, but now the focus has shifted as police[5] seek assistance from the public to locate the absconder. The public has been cautioned against approaching Cooper if sighted. The police have circulated a photo of Cooper, captured grinning in a Nike black top.

Photographs circulating on social media capture police forces canvassing near the motorway from which Cooper escaped. Several police vehicles and officers[6] are visible throughout the vicinity. Blackpool Police released a notice on their Facebook page pleading for public assistance: "We need your help finding wanted Jamie Cooper, after he absconded from a GEOAmey prison van on the M55 this morning.

At 8:54am this morning, we received a report of a man absconding from the vehicle conveying prisoners to Lancaster Magistrates Court. "Cooper is 5ft 7in, of a medium build with short, cropped hair and is thought to be wearing a blue coat, blue jeans and black trainers. "We know that this may be concerning to hear about, but we want to reassure you that incidents like these are extremely rare in Lancashire and it is something we are taking incredibly seriously."

Cooper reportedly has connections to both Blackpool and Bolton.

The force warned the public, "If you see Cooper, do not approach him, but call 999 and let us know straight away.

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting log 0237 of March 19."

References

1. ^ Lancashire Police (www.nottinghampost.com)
2. ^ police actively searching for him (www.nottinghampost.com)
3. ^ the Mirror (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ assaulting a police officer and criminal damage (www.nottinghampost.com)
5. ^ police (www.nottinghampost.com)
6. ^ police vehicles and officers (www.nottinghampost.com)