Video shows prisoner on the run minutes after van escape

The BBC has obtained footage of what is believed to be escaped prisoner Jamie Cooper running through fields minutes after he escaped the prison van.

An eyewitness, who does not want to be identified, gave the video to our reporter Phillip Norton and described the "surreal" sight.

Security firm GEOAmey said he had "overpowered" staff escorting him to a court appearance after faking an "on-board medical emergency".

Lancashire Police said the van was forced to pull over just before 09:00GMT on Wednesday before Cooper fought his way out of the van onto the M55 near junction two in Catforth, Preston.

He had been due to appear at Lancaster Magistrates' Court to face charges of assaulting a police officer and criminal damage.