A man who took flight after faking a medical emergency as he was being conveyed to court in a prison van has been spotted in three areas across the north-west of England.
Jamie Cooper, a 33-year-old from Blackpool, became the focus of a police manhunt after he absconded from the vehicle on the M55 motorway early on Wednesday morning.
Onlookers watched in horror as the prisoner, who faces charges of assaulting a police officer and criminal damage, leapt from the back of the GEOAmey van after it pulled over near Catforth in Preston.
Lancashire Police have now confirmed that Mr Cooper has been seen in Preston, Bolton and most recently in Blackpool, where he was spotted in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Police have warned the public not to approach the fugitive, who was being transported to Lancaster magistrates’ court when he overpowered escort officers and bolted shortly before 9am on Wednesday.
Mr Cooper is described as being about 5ft 7in tall with a medium build and short, cropped hair. He was wearing a blue coat, blue jeans and black trainers at the time of his escape.
Footage apparently showing the aftermath of the incident was captured by an eyewitness, who described the initial sighting to the BBC as surreal.
The video shows a man presumed to be Mr Cooper walking through a field near the M55 shortly after the incident.
‘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,’ a police spokesperson said at the time.
‘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.
‘If you can assist our enquiries in any way, please get in contact with us on 101 quoting log 0237 of 19th March.’
A spokesperson for GEOAmey described how the prison van was obliged to pull over to deal with what appeared to be a medical crisis.
‘The detained person involved in this emergency then overpowered and evaded the escort officers and escaped from the vehicle,’ they said.
