Dangerous prisoner finally caught days after escaping van on motorway

Jamie Cooper has been captured after fleeing a prison van on Wednesday (Picture: Lancashire Police)

A dangerous inmate who fled a prison van while on a motorway has been caught after more than three days on the run.

Jamie Cooper, 33, escaped the vehicle on the M55 near Preston on Wednesday morning after faking a medical emergency and overpowering officers.

He was caught on camera running off across fields and a manhunt was launched soon after.

The van had carrying suspects from custody in Blackpool to Lancaster Magistrates’ Court.

Lancashire Police said they found in Blackburn after a car was stopped by officers.

A statement posted on the force’s Facebook page today said: ‘Over the last few days we had asked for your help to find wanted Jamie Cooper who absconded from a prison van on the M55 near Preston.

‘At 8.54am on Wednesday March 19, it was reported to us that Cooper had escaped from a GEOAmey van which was taking prisoners from Blackpool custody to Lancaster Magistrates’ Court.

‘To update you, Cooper, 33, was found in Blackburn this afternoon after a car which had travelled from Bolton, was stopped by officers.

‘He was arrested on suspicion of escaping from lawful custody and is now in custody.

‘Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal, it is much appreciated.’

Police had said anyone who spotted Cooper should not approach him but call 999 immediately.

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