A nationwide manhunt is under way after a "dangerous" murder suspect escaped from a prison van during an ambush by masked men armed with sledgehammers. John Anslow, 31, was sprung from the vehicle as it was taking three inmates from Hewell prison in Redditch to Staffordshire Crown Court.
The van was stopped near the jail by a Volkswagen Scirocco car containing three men at about 8:20am. The windscreen of the van was smashed and the driver was injured after being punched in the face. Anslow then escaped while the two other prisoners remained in the vehicle. Earlier reports suggested the driver was threatened with a blade.
Following the attack in Hewell Lane, Tardebigge, near Bromsgrove, the Scirocco drove off at speed. Police believe Anslow and the three men switched to a silver Mercedes car in Stoney Lane, Bromsgrove, shortly after. Police warned that Anslow, who was charged on Wednesday January 18 with murder, was considered "dangerous".
He is described as white, 5ft 10in and of medium build, with short, straight, dark brown hair. He was one of five men charged with the murder of Richard Deakin, who was shot dead in Chasetown, Staffordshire, in 2010. Officers from West Mercia Police, the West Midlands and the Staffordshire force are taking part in the hunt for Anslow.....READ MORE HERE
