Man who escaped prison transport still on the run after 72 hours

A man who escaped from a prison van this week is still on the run after 72 hours of searching.

Jamie Cooper, 33, was being transported in a GEOAmey van from Blackpool to Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (19 March) at around 8.54am when he appeared to suffer a medical emergency on the M55 close to junction 2.

When GEOAmey officers attempted to deal with that issue, Cooper was reportedly able to overpower them and make his escape.

He was seen in Preston shortly afterwards but police now believe he is in the Bolton area.

A new image has now been released by Lancashire Constabulary. Although, police did not confirm where he was when the image was captured, he appears to be in a pub.

A spokesperson for police said: “Cooper is 5ft 7, medium build, with short, cropped hair, and was wearing a blue coat, blue jeans and black trainers when he left custody.

“We have a dedicated team of uniformed officers and detectives searching for Cooper, and we are committed to finding him and returning him to custody.

“If you see Cooper, please do not approach him but call 999 immediately.”

Any information which could assist in the police’s search for him, contact 101 – quoting log 0237 of 19th March 2025.

The two released images of Cooper — Two previously released images of Jamie Cooper

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.