A 'dangerous' murder suspect is on the run after a van taking inmates to court was ambushed today.
Police have issued an urgent appeal for information after John Anslow made his escape from a prison escort van in North Worcestershire this morning.
The van was stopped by a car and its driver threatened before the prisoner escaped, police sources said.
Anslow, aged 31, who is from the Tipton area, is one of five men charged with the murder of Richard Deakin, who was shot dead in Chasetown, Staffordshire, in 2010. He was charged on Wednesday, 18 January, and was being driven to Stafford Crown Court from HMP Hewell.
Anslow is described as white, 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build, with short straight dark brown hair.
Detective Inspector Jon Marsden of West Mercia Police said: "Three men wearing balaclavas, two of whom were carrying sledgehammers, got out of a silver Volkswagen Scirocco, and smashed the windscreen and driver's window of the GEO Amey prison escort van.
"The van driver was punched but no serious injuries were sustained by escort staff. There were two other prisoners in the van at the time, neither of whom were released."
The Scirroco drove off at speed. The group are believed to have switched to a silver Mercedes car in Stoney Lane, Bromsgrove, soon after.
The van carrying the prisoners was attacked by three men
Det Insp Marsden added: "Anslow has recently been charged with murder and is considered dangerous. We are working closely with our colleagues from West Midlands and Staffordshire Police forces and a large number of officers from all three forces are involved in the search for him. However we would urge any members of the public who sees him not to approach him directly, but to contact police immediately on 999."
Information can also be passed on to West Mercia Police on 0300 333 30000 quoting incident 87-s-230112, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111.
HMP Hewell Prison