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Armed gang helps prisoner escape Armed pair help prisoner escape
(30 minutes later)
Two masked men held up a security van and freed an armed robber who was being transported to prison from court.Two masked men held up a security van and freed an armed robber who was being transported to prison from court.
Officers were forced to free Craig Martin Hickinbottom, who was part way through a sentence of five years and 11 months and is described as "dangerous". Officers were forced to free Craig Hickinbottom, 24, who was part way through a sentence of five years and 11 months and is described as "dangerous".
Police said he was being transported from Redditch Magistrates' Court to Blakenhurst Prison, Worcestershire.Police said he was being transported from Redditch Magistrates' Court to Blakenhurst Prison, Worcestershire.
He was driven off in a silver Audi which was seen heading north on the M5. A gun was seen but no shots were fired. He escaped in a silver or blue Audi which was seen heading north on the M5. A gun was seen but no shots were fired.
Hickinbottom has criminal and family connections in the West Midlands, police said.Hickinbottom has criminal and family connections in the West Midlands, police said.
'Violent individual''Violent individual'
Det Ch Insp Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, described Hickinbottom as "very dangerous" and warned people not to approach him.Det Ch Insp Kevin Purcell, of West Mercia Police, described Hickinbottom as "very dangerous" and warned people not to approach him.
"He is a violent individual. He is serving a prison sentence for armed robbery." "He is a violent individual, he is serving a prison sentence for armed robbery, his escape today was facilitated by people with a handgun."
The van was returning Hickinbottom to Blakenhurst Prison
Hickinbottom is described as white, of medium build and about 5ft 11in tall.Hickinbottom is described as white, of medium build and about 5ft 11in tall.
He has blue eyes and close cropped ginger hair and wears a beard at times but was believed to be clean-shaven at the time of his escape.He has blue eyes and close cropped ginger hair and wears a beard at times but was believed to be clean-shaven at the time of his escape.
The convict speaks with a Midlands accent and was wearing light blue denim jeans and a light-coloured top.The convict speaks with a Midlands accent and was wearing light blue denim jeans and a light-coloured top.
Blakenhurst is a category B jail where inmates are deemed to pose a risk to public safety.Blakenhurst is a category B jail where inmates are deemed to pose a risk to public safety.
West Mercia Police have advised people not to approach the men if they see them.West Mercia Police have advised people not to approach the men if they see them.