Staffordshire Police

Escaped prisoner update

Officers investigating the disappearance of escaped prisoner John Anslow have been granted more time to interview a man arrested on Monday night.

The 44-year-old man, from the Tipton area, was further interviewed on Wednesday 25 January at a Staffordshire Police station after detectives were granted a 12-hour extension to his custody time limits.

He was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The man, from the Tipton area, was arrested on Monday 23 January on suspicion of assisting an offender and interviewed by detectives.

Meanwhile, officers executed further search warrants today Wednesday 25 January at two homes in the Tipton area.

Property recovered from these addresses will now be examined.

Staffordshire Police are offering a £10,000 reward for information that leads to Anslow’s arrest and return to prison.

An appeal by the force on Facebook has now reached well over two million people across the UK.

Detective Superintendent Martin Evans, who is overseeing the inquiry, said: "We’re determined to find John Anslow and we’re continuing to follow several lines of inquiry as our investigation continues.

"We’re hoping that the offer of this sizeable reward will encourage friends or associates of Anslow – or anyone else who knows where he is – to come forward with information.

All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.

"We’re also still appealing for witnesses to Monday morning’s incident and want to speak to anyone who saw the Volkswagen Scirocco or silver Mercedes cars used in the crime.

"Anyone with information should ring our dedicated incident room on 01785 235051.

Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Anyone who sees Anslow, who is considered to be very dangerous, should not approach him but should dial 999 immediately.