Missing prisoner found after van motorway escape

A prisoner who faked a medical emergency and escaped from a prison van on his way to court has been found, police have said.

Jamie Cooper was found in Blackburn, Lancashire on Saturday afternoon after a car which had travelled from Bolton was stopped by police.

They have arrested the 33-year-old on suspicion of escaping from lawful custody.

He was being taken to Lancaster Magistrates' Court in a GEOAmey van just before 09:00 GMT on Wednesday when he went on the run on the M55 motorway at junction 2 near Preston.

Mr Cooper, originally from Blackpool, "overpowered" escort officers before making his escape, a GEOAmey spokesperson said.

Lancashire Police said Mr Cooper, who was facing charges for assaulting a police officer and criminal damage, remains in police custody.