09/05/2013

Ryan McDonald Hunt Continues

Greater Manchester Police are continuing the hunt for a man who escaped from police custody after a gang of men attacked a prison van in Salford.

Ryan McDonald escaped shortly after 9:00 on Tuesday 30 April 2013, when a GEOAmey prison van carrying prisoners from HMP Altcourse to Manchester Crown Square was attacked on Regent Road by at least three men wearing dark clothing and balaclavas.

The men arrived in a dark coloured Saab and threatened staff with a shotgun.

Five men, believed to be three offenders and two escaped prisoners, then drove off a short distance near to the M602 roundabout, where the Saab was abandoned.

It is believed three ran towards Phoebe Street in the Ordsall estate and two may have further escaped on a motorbike that was found abandoned on Thurlow Street.

A £10,000 reward is being offered for anyone with information leading to the arrest and safe return to custody of McDonald.

Officers have been granted a warrant for further detention to question another man who was arrested at a house on Red Moss Row in Salford on Tuesday 7 May 2013. He was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting an absconder from lawful custody.

Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton, head of GMP's Serious Crime Division, said: "Since the two prisoners were sprung from a GEOAmey prison van last week, our officers have been working round-the-clock to trace these fugitives and bring them back into custody.

"As a result, we have returned McMullen to prison, charged a further two men with assisting an offender and a third man remains in custody on suspicion of aiding and abetting an absconder from lawful custody which is testament to the diligence of officers and how well our inquiries are progressing.

"I would remind members of the public not to approach this man due to the potential danger he poses, but if you see him please call the police immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3342, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or in an emergency, call 999.

(IT/CD)

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