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Manhunt as prisoner Jamie Cooper ‘overpowers’ van guards and escapes on motorway

Jamie Cooper, 33, is said to have faked a medical emergency while being transported to court, before ‘overpowering’ escort officers and making his escape in Preston, Lancashire

21:15, 19 Mar 2025Updated 21:20, 19 Mar 2025

A manhunt is underway for a prisoner who escaped from a prison van as it travelled on a motorway on the way to court. Jamie Cooper, 33, absconded from the vehicle on the M55 near junction two by Catforth, Preston, Lancashire Police said. Cooper, who was on his way to Lancaster Magistrates' Court in a GEOAmey prison van, is said to have faked a medical emergency before overpowering guards on the van. According to Lancashire Post, the van pulled over on the M55 near to Junction 2 to deal with an “on-board medical emergency

Jamie Cooper ‘overpowered’ officers after faking a medical emergency (Image: Dave Nelson)

Police received a report of the escape at about 8.54am on Wednesday, the force said. Cooper is described as 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build with short, cropped hair, and is thought to be wearing a blue coat, blue jeans and black trainers.

Cooper had been charged with assaulting a police officer and criminal damage, according to the Lancashire Post[6]. He was due to stand before magistrates on Wednesday but police are now asking members of the public to help them try find the wanted prisoner.

People are urged not to approach Cooper should they come in contact with him. As part of the appeal, police have released a picture of Cooper, who is seen smiling and wearing a Nike black top.

Images posted on social media show police officers searching areas close to the motorway where Cooper made his escape. A number of police vehicles and officers can be seen in the surrounding area.