Prisoner accused of escaping custody apprehended

Sid Kemp was being transported from court in Southend-on-Sea when police said he allegedly escaped from custody

Police say they have rearrested a man who allegedly escaped custody while being transported from court.

Sid Kemp, 31, was appearing at Southend Magistrates' Court accused of drugs offences on Tuesday.

Essex Police said he was being taken to a prisoner transport vehicle operated by an independent contractor when he fled. Serco, the contractor, said it was investigating.

Mr Kemp, of The Clusters in Southend, is back in custody for further questioning.

Essex Police said its officers were not present when he escaped.

A Serco spokesperson said: "A full investigation is under way into the incident."

Mr Kemp had been charged with three offences of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession of cannabis, possession of criminal property and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

He also appeared at the same court the day before, on Monday, charged with separate driving offences.

He was accused of failing to stop his BMW 116D Sport on 5 July after being requested to by police; driving a vehicle without third-party insurance; and driving a motor vehicle otherwise rather than in accordance with his licence.

The force said Mr Kemp was not a risk to the wider public.

A spokesperson thanked people who shared the appeal or got in contact as they searched for Mr Kemp.