The BBC has obtained footage of what is believed to be escaped prisoner Jamie Cooper running through fields minutes after he “overpowered” security staff escorting him to a court appearance.

Lancashire Police said he faked an “on-board medical emergency” forcing the van to pull over just before 09:00GMT on Wednesday before fighting his way out of the van onto the M55 near junction two in Catforth, Preston.

He had been due to appear at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court to face charges of assaulting a police officer and criminal damage.