Search for missing prisoner continues

Police are continuing to search for a prisoner who escaped from a transport van.

Jason Evans, 32, made off from the vehicle in Poole Road, Poole, at about 17:30 BST on Thursday 2 April.

Officers now believe he has been in the Southbourne area and moving between Bournemouth and Poole.

Police have urged the public not to approach him and to call 999 with any sightings.

Evans had appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court charged with assault and other offences and had been remanded in custody.

He was being transported by a privately operated prisoner transport company when he escaped, said police.

Dorset Police said officers carried out detailed searches in the area, supported by a National Police Air Service helicopter.

Evans is described as white, 5ft 8in (1.73m) tall, and of medium build with ginger hair.

He was last seen wearing grey clothing, with no shoes and a handcuff on his wrist.

Det Ch Insp Helen Deakin said officers were carrying out detailed inquiries to locate him.

"If you have any information that may help us locate Jason Evans, or you believe you may have seen him trying to avoid detection, please urgently get in touch," she said.