Police in London have launched a search for 25-year-old inmate Temitope Segun after he escaped from custody while being transported from court in south-east London.
The Metropolitan Police said Segun, who was serving a sentence for supplying Class A drugs, escaped on Monday.
According to the police, he was being taken from Bromley Magistrates’ Court to HMP Thameside when he allegedly assaulted a custody officer and fled from a prison transport van near Woolwich High Street at about 6:40 p.m.
Segun was last seen wearing a black jacket, black trousers and black trainers. Police said he has links to the south-east London areas of Plumstead, Abbey Wood and Woolwich.
Detective Sergeant Claudine Manning said officers were working to locate and arrest him.
“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,” she said.
The police warned members of the public not to approach Segun if they see him and urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact emergency services.
Private security company Serco, which was responsible for transporting the prisoner, confirmed the incident and said an investigation was ongoing.
A spokesperson for the company said an incident occurred in Woolwich on the evening of June 8 and that the matter was under investigation.
The company also confirmed that a staff member was injured during the incident and is recovering at home.
Police have asked anyone with information about Segun’s whereabouts to call 999 and quote reference number 2270/10JUN. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.
The search remains ongoing.
