A 'DANGEROUS' prisoner made a dramatic escape after leaping from the dock during a court appearance.

Police have launched a major manhunt after Blackburn man Shaun Shaw ran out of South Ribble Magistrates' Court, Leyland.

He was appearing on a charge of driving while disqualified .

The 24-year-old from Oozehead Lane, Bank Top, is due to stand trial at Burnley Crown Court charged with wounding.

Shaw was arrested after a stabbing incident in Blackburn and has been in custody for more than three months.

Police believe the escape was planned and a vehicle was waiting for Shaw outside the court building.

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

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, with 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.

Anyone with information should contact Blackburn police on 01254 51212.

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