Search for prisoner who overpowered and escaped officers on M55 continues

A prisoner remains at large after overpowering his escort officers and escaping on the M55 close to Preston.

Jamie Cooper, 33, was being taken from Lancaster Magistrates’ Court via the M55 around junction 2 when, at around 8.55am yesterday (19 March), he appeared to suffer a medical emergency.

But when escort officers approached Cooper, he was able to overpower them and escape his GEOAmey transport.

A spokesperson for GEOAmey said yesterday: “We can confirm the escape of a detained person from a GEOAmey escort vehicle this morning.

“Whilst in transit to Lancaster Magistrates’ Court the vehicle had to pull over on the M55 in the Catforth area to deal with an on-board medical emergency.

“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.”

Lancashire Constabulary has issued appeals urging the public not to approach Cooper if they see him, but to instead call 999.

He was due to appear at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court today (20 March) charged with assaulting a police officer and criminal damage.

No new information has been issued by Lancashire Constabulary today but Blog Preston understands the search for Cooper continues.

A spokesperson for police said yesterday: “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.”

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