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Southend prisoner escaped transport vehicle, police say Prisoner accused of escaping custody in Southend is apprehended
(about 4 hours later)
Sid Kemp was last seen in the road where he lives in Southend-on-Sea Sid Kemp was being transported from court in Southend-on-Sea when police said he allegedly escaped from custody
A man escaped custody while being transported after a court hearing, police have said. Police say they have rearrested a man who allegedly escaped custody while being transported from court.
Sid Kemp, 31, was appearing at Southend Magistrates' Court accused of drugs offences on Tuesday.Sid Kemp, 31, was appearing at Southend Magistrates' Court accused of drugs offences on Tuesday.
Essex Police said he was being taken to a prisoner transport vehicle operated by independent contractor Serco when he fled. Serco said it was investigating. Essex Police said he was being taken to a prisoner transport vehicle operated by an independent contractor when he fled. Serco, the contractor, said it was investigating.
The force said he was not a risk to the wider public, and that he was last seen in The Clusters which is where he lives in Southend-on-Sea. Mr Kemp, of The Clusters in Southend, is back in custody for further questioning.
"We're carrying out extensive inquiries to trace Sid Kemp," said Supt Jamie Gingell. Essex Police said its officers were not present when he escaped.
"We would ask anyone who sees him to please call 999 rather than approaching him, or if you have information as to his whereabouts." A Serco spokesperson said: "A full investigation is under way into the incident."
The suspect was described as a white man, 6ft tall (1.8m) and with short black hair. He also has sleeve tattoos on both arms. Mr Kemp had been charged with three offences of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession of cannabis, possession of criminal property and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.
Supt Gingell said people with information could also contact the charity Crimestoppers. He also appeared at the same court the day before, on Monday, charged with separate driving offences.
Essex Police said its officers were not present when he escaped custody.
A Serco spokesperson said: "A full investigation is under way into the incident at Southend Magistrates' Court on Tuesday."
Mr Kemp also appeared at the same court the day before, on Monday, charged with separate driving offences.
He was accused of failing to stop his BMW 116D Sport on 5 July after being requested to by police; driving a vehicle without third-party insurance; and driving a motor vehicle otherwise rather than in accordance with his licence.He was accused of failing to stop his BMW 116D Sport on 5 July after being requested to by police; driving a vehicle without third-party insurance; and driving a motor vehicle otherwise rather than in accordance with his licence.
The force said Mr Kemp was not a risk to the wider public.
A spokesperson thanked people who shared the appeal or got in contact as they searched for Mr Kemp.
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