Tue. Apr 1st, 2025
alert-–-moment-onlookers-spot-fugitive-prisoner-just-minutes-after-escaping-van-that-was-escorting-him-to-courtAlert – Moment onlookers spot fugitive prisoner just minutes after escaping van that was escorting him to court

Onlookers watched in horror as a prisoner sprinted through fields just minutes after escaping a prison van. 

A manhunt was launched for Jamie Cooper, 33, of Blackpool, after he absconded from a GEOAmey prison vehicle on the M55 on Wednesday morning.

The vehicle was escorting prisoners to Lancaster Magistrates Court at the time of the incident.

Lancashire Police said he faked a medical emergency while on board and forced the van to pull over at around 9am.

He was facing charges of assaulting a police officer and criminal damage.

The footage, believed to be of Jamie Cooper was captured by an eyewitness, who described the sighting to BBC News as surreal. 

He was captured walking through a field near the M55 shortly after the prison van escape. 

A police spokesperson previously said: ‘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.

‘If you can assist our enquiries in any way, please get in contact with us on 101 quoting log 0237 of 19th March.’

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