Manhunt after prisoner escapes van in Woolwich

Manhunt after prisoner escapes van in Woolwich6 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleTony GrewLondonMet PoliceTemitope Segun absconded from a prison transport van on MondayThe public is being urged to be on the look out for a prisoner who escaped from a van while being transported from court in south-east London on Monday. Temitope Segun, aged 25, and serving a sentence for supplying class A drugs, was last seen near Woolwich High Street at around 18:40 BST on Monday 8 June, the Met said. He was being taken from Bromley Magistrates Court to HMP Thameside when he assaulted a guard and managed to escape, the force said.Private contractor Serco confirmed it was transporting the prisoner, and said it was "investigating". Segun was last seen wearing a black jacket, black trousers and black trainers, and is believed to have links to Plumstead, Abbey Wood and Woolwich.A Serco spokesperson said: "An incident occurred on the evening of Monday 8 June in Woolwich. The matter is under investigation."One staff member was injured and is recuperating at home, they added. Serco has a prisoner escort and custody services contract with the Ministry of Justice across the south of England.Det Sgt Claudine Manning from the Met Police said: "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."Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.ukMore on this storyDaniel Khalife pleads guilty to prison escapeTwo more murder arrests after boy, 14, shot deadAnimal charity told to move faces uncertain futureRelated internet linksMetropolitan PoliceLondonSercoWoolwichMetropolitan Police Service