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
A manhunt is underway for an inmate 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. The van pulled over on the M55 near to Junction 2 to deal with an “on-board medical emergency”.
Once the vehicle had stopped, guards attempted to offer medical assistance but Cooper “overpowered and evaded” escort officers. The prisoner is now on the run and police are urgently trying to locate him.
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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. 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.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Blackpool Police said: “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.
“This was reported to have happened on the M55, near to junction 2, near to Catforth. The man has been identified as 33-year-old Jamie Cooper, from Blackpool, and we’re now appealing for your help to trace him.
“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.
“Searches and an investigation are ongoing, and you will see an increase in our officers in the area as they continue their enquiries. If you have any concerns, please do approach them as they are out and about. Cooper has links to Blackpool and Bolton.
“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.”
