Manhunt - man detained

Following a joint investigation between Strathclyde Police and Suffolk Constabulary, we can confirm that on Friday 27 January 2012, officers from Strathclyde Police arrested Andrew Farndon in New Cumnock, Ayrshire.  The 26-year-old had escaped from prison officers in Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday 25 January 2012.  He is currently detained in police custody.

As a result of this joint investigation, a further four people, three men aged 16, 33, 43 and a woman, aged 44 have been arrested and are presently detained in police custody for allegedly attempting to pervert the ends of justice. It is anticipated that all four will appear at Ayr Sheriff Court on Monday 30 January 2012.

 

In relation to the investigation into the escape of Andrew Farndon from Bury St Edmunds on Wednesday evening, 25 January 2012, Suffolk Constabulary can confirm that this evening Farndon has been detained by police and is in custody in another force area.

More to follow.

 

Suffolk Police are issuing an E-FIT likeness of the man who assisted in the escape of prisoner Andrew Farndon on Wednesday 25 January.

Officers received 999 calls around 6.50pm reporting that prison staff had been threatened by a man with a gun and that a prisoner they had been transporting to the hospital for treatment had escaped.

Police immediately began a search for Farndon, 26, who had sustained a wound to his shoulder, and the man with the gun.

Yesterday police issued CCTV images of the man with the gun approaching the scene of the incident and the two men fleeing afterwards. Also released were images of potential witnesses to the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Bennett, who is leading the investigation, said:

"We have received a number of calls from members of the public from around the country in relation to the enquiry and we have now identified the witnesses in the CCTV images previously released and been in contact with further witnesses to the incident. I would still like to take this opportunity to re-appeal to anyone with information in relation to this incident, particularly the whereabouts of Andrew Fardon, to get in touch immediately. We are keeping an open mind as to where he is, he could be anywhere in the United Kingdom. He is a potentially dangerous man and determined efforts are being made by ourselves and forces across the county to trace him and his accomplice."

Officers are asking anyone with information about where Farndon is now to call Suffolk Police, or their nearest police station, as soon as possible - using 999 if necessary for sightings or 101 to pass on information.

Police are continuing to advise members of the public not to approach either of the men but to call officers straight away.

 

 

Suffolk Police are issuing CCTV images of an incident at West Suffolk Hospital last night, Wednesday 25 January, resulting in the escape of a prisoner.

Officers received 999 calls around 6.50pm reporting that prison staff had been threatened by a man with a gun and that a prisoner they had been transporting to the hospital for treatment had escaped. No one was hurt in the incident.

Police immediately began a search for prisoner, Andrew Farndon, 26, who had sustained a wound to his shoulder, and the man with the gun.

CCTV images of the man with the gun approaching the scene and the two men fleeing are now being released.

A major investigation has been launched, led by Detective Chief Inspector Nick Bennett and officers investigating the incident are carrying out local enquiries and are communicating with other forces across the country to try to locate the offenders.

Officers are asking anyone with information about where Farndon is now to call Suffolk Police, or their nearest police station, as soon as possible - using 999 if necessary for sightings or 101 to pass on information.

Police are continuing to advise members of the public not to approach either of the men but to call officers straight away.

 

Police are continuing to hunt for two men after an incident at the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds last night, Wednesday 25 January.

Officers received 999 calls around 6.50pm to reports that prison staff had been threatened by a man with a gun and that a prisoner they had been transporting to the hospital for treatment had escaped. No one was hurt in the incident

Police immediately began a search for the two men.

This morning the hunt continues for Andrew Farndon, 26, the prisoner who had sustained a wound to his shoulder, and the man with the gun.

It's now thought likely that the pair may have left Suffolk and, although police are still carrying out local enquiries in case they are still in the county, officers are also liaising with other forces across the country to try to locate them.

Numerous enquiries have been made overnight and police have taken calls from members of the public giving information which may help the investigation however officers are continuing to appeal for any sightings.

Officers are asking anyone with information about where Farndon is now to call Suffolk Police, or their nearest police station, as soon as possible - using 999 if necessary for sightings or 101 to pass on information.

Police are continuing to advise members of the public not to approach either of the men but to call officers straight away.

 

 

Police have launched a manhunt after two prison officers arriving at the West Suffolk Hospital with a prisoner being transported for treatment were threatened at gunpoint and forced to release him.

 

Officers were contacted just after 6.50pm this evening, Wednesday 25 January, by staff at the Accident & Emergency (A & E) reception of the West Suffolk Hospital at Hardwick Lane in Bury St Edmunds who reported they could see a man with a gun outside the A & E department.

 

They said the man was pointing the weapon at two prison officers.

 

Moments later police received a second call from the prison officers, from HMP Highpoint, who said they had a gun pulled on them by a man who had confronted them as they had arrived at A & E with a prisoner who had been stabbed in an incident at the prison.

 

Both the prisoner, Andrew Farndon, and the man with the gun had then run away across the car park.

 

No one was hurt in the incident.

 

Farndon was serving an indefinite prison sentence, with a minimum of three years before being considered for parole, after being sentenced at Coventry Crown Court in 2007 for GBH with intent, dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.

 

Police have launched a comprehensive search of the area and are liaising with other agencies and talking to witnesses.

 

Officers are asking anyone with information about the incident or where Farndon is now to call Suffolk Police as soon as possible - using 999 if necessary for sightings or 101 to pass information.

 

Police are advising members of the public not to approach either of the men but to call officers straight away.