Prison escapee re-arrested after fleeing from van near Preston
Jamie Cooper was found after a car he was in was stopped on Saturday
A prisoner who fled from a van on the M55 near Preston has been found three days after going on the run.
Jamie Cooper, 33, had gone missing after feigning a medical emergency and overpowering guards in a police van on the M55 on Wednesday (March 19th).
Cooper had been one of a group of prisoners who were being transported in a GEOAmey van that had been taking prisoners from Blackpool to Lancaster Magistrates' Court.
Following this, Lancashire Police launched a nationwide appeal to help track the fugitive, with links to Bolton and Greater Manchester.
Several reports of sightings were made in Greater Manchester, Preston and Blackpool over the past three days.
However, on Saturday (March 22nd), the force confirmed that Jamie had been found and re-arrested by police.
He had been discovered after police found him in a car that had been travelling from Bolton to Blackburn.
Cooper has since been arrested on suspicion of escaping from lawful custody and is now back in police custody.
Thanking the public for their help, Lancashire Police said: "Thank you to everyone who shared the appeal, it is much appreciated."
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