POLICE are asking for help to trace a man branded a danger to the public who escaped from a courtroom earlier this year.

Detectives want to track down Blackburn man Shaun Shaw and want anyone who has seen him or knows his whereabouts to contact them.

They have also issued a photograph of Shaw in the hope he will be recognised by the public.

Shaw, 24, of Oozehead Lane, Bank Top, was arrested after a stabbing incident in Blackburn last year and had been in custody for more than three months awaiting trial at Preston Crown Court accused of wounding.

He was brought before South Ribble Magistrates, Leyland, on a separate charge of driving while disqualified when he escaped.

He jumped from the dock during the hearing, ran out of the building, climbed into the passenger seat of a blue Austin Maestro and was driven off down Lancastergate.

Police believe the car was waiting for Shaw outside the court building.

A spokesman for Lancashire police said: "It appears that this escape attempt may have been planned.

"There was no sign that Shaw forced his way into the car or any sign of a struggle so we can only assume there was some sort of pre-planned arrangement."

"We believe Shaw is dangerous and anyone who sees him or knows of his whereabouts should not approach him but contact their local police station immediately."

Shaw is white, 5ft 8ins, a medium build, has cropped dark brown hair, is clean shaven and has brown eyes. He has a scar on his left hand and one on the right hand side of his face.

Detectives believe Shaw has returned to the Blackburn area but he has also been seen in Blackpool and Morecambe.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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