Manhunt after prisoner escapes van in Woolwich

The public is being urged to be on the look out for a prisoner who escaped from a van while being transported from court in south-east London on Monday.

Temitope Segun, aged 25, and serving a sentence for supplying class A drugs, was last seen near Woolwich High Street at around 18:40 BST on Monday 8 June, the Met said.

He was being taken from Bromley Magistrates Court to HMP Thameside when he assaulted a guard and managed to escape, the force said.

Private contractor Serco confirmed it was transporting the prisoner, and said it was "investigating".

Segun was last seen wearing a black jacket, black trousers and black trainers, and is believed to have links to Plumstead, Abbey Wood and Woolwich.

A Serco spokesperson said: "An incident occurred on the evening of Monday 8 June in Woolwich. The matter is under investigation."

One staff member was injured and is recuperating at home, they added.

Serco has a prisoner escort and custody services contract with the Ministry of Justice across the south of England.

Det Sgt Claudine Manning from the Met Police said: "My team of dedicated officers are working around the clock to trace and apprehend Temitope Segun.

"It is imperative that the public contact police via 999 if they see him – or know where he may be."

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