TV appeal over Anslow escape

Buy photos »

A TELEVISION appeal to trace escaped prisoner John Anslow will be aired on the BBC's Crimewatch tonight (Thursday).

The plea for information on Monday's prison van ambush will be broadcast at 9pm on BBC One and it is hoped the extra coverage will entice anyone with any information to come forward.

John Anslow, 31, escaped from a prison van on Monday (January 23) after three masked men stopped the vehicle which was leaving HMP Hewell, in Tardebigge, for Stafford Crown Court.

Since then, officers have recovered the Volkswagen Scirocco used by the three men, which had the registration BT59 NXC, and have appealed for help in finding the other vehicle - believed to be a Mercedes C-Class with the partial registration KR11.

A £10,000 reward has also been offered by the police for any information which helps recapture of Anslow.

Speaking ahead of tonight's TV appeal, Det Supt Martin Evans said: ''There’s obviously a possibility that he’s travelled abroad or maybe planning to do so.

"If this is the case, there will be people who know about it.''

DS Evans will also be reassuring viewers that all calls will be completely confidential.

Anyone with any information should call the incident room on 01785 235051 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Officers have reminded residents Anslow is very dangerous and anyone who finds him should not approach him and call 999.