A prisoner is on the run after he “overpowered and evaded” escort officers who who were taking him to court.

Jamie Cooper, 33, fled the prison van on the M55 motorway just outside of Preston at about 8.54am on Wednesday, Blackpool Police said.

The vehicle was taking Cooper and other prisoners to Lancaster Magistrates Court.

GEOAmey, which was providing the secure transportation service, has said its vehicle had to pull over on the M55 to deal with an “onboard medical emergency”.

The company added: “The detained person involved in this emergency then overpowered and evaded the escort officers and escaped from the vehicle. Lancashire Police have been informed and are currently searching for the escaped prisoner.”

Cooper, from Blackpool, is described as 5ft 7ins tall, of medium build, with short, cropped hair, and is thought to be wearing a blue coat, blue jeans and black trainers.

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Police have urged the public to call 999 if they sight him.

The force also advised people not to approach him.

Blackpool Police said in a statement: “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.”