Manhunt underway with public urged 'do not approach' after prisoner 'faked medical emergency' to escape police van
19 March 2025, 20:23 | Updated: 19 March 2025, 22:32
A police manhunt is underway after a prisoner overpowered officers and broke out of a van transporting him to court on Wednesday - as the public are told 'do not approach'.
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Jamie Cooper, 33, fled from the vehicle, which was carrying prisoners to Lancaster Magistrates' Court, on the M55 near junction two by Catforth, Preston, Lancashire Police said.
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.
It's believed cooper 'faked a medical emergency' in order to get the van to pull over on the busy stretch of motorway before overpowering guards and making his escape.
A Lancashire Police spokeswoman confirmed that no officers or members of the public were injured during the escape.
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In a statement posted on Facebook, Lancashire Police said: "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.
"Searches and an investigation are ongoing, and you will see an increase in our officers in the area as they continue their inquiries.
"If you have any concerns, please do approach them as they are out and about."
Cooper has links to Blackpool and Bolton, the force added.
Police have said anyone who sees Cooper should not approach him but call 999 immediately.
Anyone with information can call 101 quoting log 0237 of March 19.
