Call 999 if you see wanted man who escaped prison van on motorway (2025)

People are being warned not to approach the 33-year-old

An urgent search has been launched to find a man with links to Greater Manchester who escaped from a prison van on a motorway.

Lancashire Police said Jamie Cooper, 33, is now wanted after he absconded from the GEOAmey prison van on the M55 shortly before 9am on Wednesday morning (March 19).

Members of the public are being warned not to approach him and call 999 immediately if they see him. A major search is currently ongoing in a bid to trace him.

Cooper, who has links to Bolton and Blackpool, is thought to have escaped the van on the M55 near junction 2 for Catforth. He was being conveyed to Lancaster Magistrates' Court when he made off.

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A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "We need your help finding wanted Jamie Cooper, after he absconded from a GEOAmey prison van on the M55 this morning.

"At 8:54am this morning, we received a report of a man absconding from the vehicle conveying prisoners to Lancaster Magistrates Court. This was reported to have happened on the M55, near to junction 2, near to Catforth. The man has been identified as 33-year-old Jamie Cooper, from Blackpool, and we’re now appealing for your help to trace him.

"Cooper 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.

"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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