THE Director General of the Prison Service has called for a full inquiry to find out how a prisoner came to be transferred from one van to another on a Preston petrol station forecourt.

The switch took place about a month ago on the BP garage near the Tickled Trout hotel on Brockholes Brow.

The scene, involving four guards from Group 4 and a handcuffed prisoner, was spotted by a BP worker who alerted her managers. Prison boss Richard Tilt has demanded a full report to decide if any action is to be taken.

A Prison Service spokesman said: "Only in exceptional circumstances should the exchange of prisoners not take place in a police station or court, such as if the prisoner becomes ill or the van breaks down."

However Group 4, a private company contracted to transport prisoners since 1993, insists there was no public risk.

A spokesman said: "The transfer was in accordance with Prison Service approved procedures. Transferring between vehicles depends on the situation and the network of journeys planned. The location in this case was convenient but not ideal and won't happen again."

The company has apologised to BP Garages and stresses there has been a 90 per cent reduction in prisoner escapes since it took over the transfer service.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has called on Home Secretary Jack Straw for an investigation. He said: "I want the public to be reassured that their safety has not been compromised and that other public places have not been used for the exchange of prisoners."

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