Masked gang free prisoner from security van

A prisoner was freed from a security van by an armed gang who targeted the vehicle shortly after it left a magistrates' court today.

West Mercia Police said the van was stopped by a number of masked men shortly after 1pm while en route from Redditch Magistrates' Court to the town's Blakenhurst jail.

A police spokesman said a firearm was seen during the incident but no shots were fired and no one was injured.

Officers were called at 1.05pm after a man was released from the security van and taken away in another vehicle.

The car was last seen travelling north on the M5 and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

"Members of the public who see the men are asked not to approach them but to call 999 immediately," the spokesman added.