Prison van escapee held after raid

A man who escaped from a prison van when it was ambushed as it took him to court has been recaptured in an armed raid..

Ryan MacDonald, 20, was recaptured by armed officers at a house in Cloughfield Avenue, Ordsall, Salford,said Greater Manchester Police said.

He and another man were freed by a trio of armed men in Salford as their van made its way to Manchester Crown Court from a prison in Merseyside on April 30.

Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton said: "We said on that day that we would return both men to custody and we have today made good on that promise.

"The last ten days has seen intense and continued activity from the force as part of our ongoing commitment to find not only the two men but those responsible for the attack on the van.

"As well as this latest arrest, we have arrested and charged a number of other people in connection with what happened and the people of Greater Manchester can be assured that we will not rest until every single person behind this incident is located and brought to justice."

MacDonald was due to be sentenced for conspiracy to commit robbery and aggravated vehicle taking when he escaped.

His delayed hearing was held in his absence last Friday at Manchester Crown Court as he was jailed for seven years and 10 months.

The defendant, of Allendale Walk, Salford, had pleaded guilty to the offences at an earlier hearing.

Another man, Stevie McMullen, 31, appeared in court last week charged with escaping lawful custody in connection with the incident and was remanded in custody.