John Evans escaped from a transport van at 5:28 PM yesterday on Poole Road in Poole, Dorset, fleeing with no shoes on and a handcuff on his wrist. He was being transported by a privately operated prisoner transport company when the escape occurred. Police helicopters were scrambled to join the search on Thursday night, and officers were deployed en masse on the ground carrying out a detailed search of the area.
Dorset Police said there would be an extensive police presence in the area until they hunt down Evans. Evans had appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court on an assault charge alongside other offences and was remanded in custody. He is described as white, 5ft 8in tall, of medium build with ginger hair, and was last seen wearing grey clothing, though police have warned it is likely he changed his attire.
The public has been urged not to approach John Evans. If seen, individuals should dial 999 immediately, and anyone else with information should call 101, quoting incident number 2:388, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.