Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Ellen Kirwin

Escaped prisoner arrested after police closed M6 in search for him

A wanted man has been arrested after he absconded from jail yesterday.

Police stopped all traffic in both direction of the M6, at junction 20, after a man hunt was launched to find Jonathon Simpson. The 40-year-old was last seen at HMP Thorn Cross in Appleton at 9am on Wednesday, March 23.

Officers confirmed that they were searching for the prisoner, who was known to have links within West Yorkshire, using police dogs. Anyone with information was urged to not approach Simpson and to call Cheshire police.

READ MORE: Man rushed to hospital after running in front of moving cars

Cheshire police have now confirmed that he has been detained in Manchester. Traffic was tailing back for a total of 14 miles from the Lymm Interchange back to junction 19 (A556), Winwick and onto the M56 at the time of the search.

In a previously issued statement, Inspector Neil Anson said: "We currently have numerous officers and police dogs visible in ongoing searches for Simpson. While numerous enquiries are ongoing we’re urging anyone who sees Simpson to not approach him but to instead call Cheshire Constabulary immediately on 999 quoting IML 1228955.

"Officers will be maintaining a presence around the prison and in the local area to provide reassurance to the community. If you have any concerns please do speak to one of them."

The M6 reopened to all traffic at around 8.30pm.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.