A prisoner is on the run after he “overpowered and evaded” escort officers who were taking him to court.
Jamie Cooper, 33, fled the prison van on the M55 motorway near junction two by Catforth, Preston, at about 8.54am on Wednesday, Lancashire Police said.
The vehicle was taking Cooper and other inmates to Lancaster Magistrates Court.
GEOAmey, which was providing the secure transportation service, has said its vehicle had to pull over on the M55 to deal with an “onboard medical emergency”.
The company added: “The detained person involved in this emergency then overpowered and evaded the escort officers and escaped from the vehicle. Lancashire Police have been informed and are currently searching for the escaped prisoner.”
Cooper, from Blackpool, 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.
Read more from Sky News:
Mother of triple killer died foiling school shooting plot
PM backs campaign to show Adolescence in schools
Man admits killing mum and daughter in motorway crash
Cooper has links to Blackpool and Bolton, Lancashire Police added.
Officers have urged the public to call 999 if they see him.
The force also advised people not to approach Cooper.
Lancashire Police said in a statement: “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.”
