Blackpool prisoner who escaped from GEOAmey prison van on M55 near Preston faked medical emergency

Jamie Cooper was being transported to Lancaster Magistrates Court in a GEOAmey prison van on the M55 on Wednesday. At 8.54am Lancashire Police received a report of a man absconding from the vehicle.

GEOAmey said the escape happened after the guards onboard pulled over on the M55 near to Junction 2 - the new Preston Western Distributor Road -- to deal with an “on-board medical emergency”.

Once stopped and trying to offer medical assistance, 33-year-old Cooper “overpowered and evaded” escort officers.

Cooper had been charged with assaulting a police officer and criminal damage and was due to stand before magistrates today.

Police have warned anyone who spots Cooper, who is from Blackpool, not to approach. He is 5ft 7in, of a medium build with short, cropped hair and is thought to be wearing a blue coat, blue jeans and black trainers.

Searches and an investigation are ongoing, in the Catforth area. Cooper is known to have links to Blackpool and Bolton.

A GEOAmey spokesperson said: "We can confirm the escape of a detained person from a GEOAmey escort vehicle. 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."

A police spokesman said: “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 March 19.”