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Airport raid accused goes on run Airport raid accused goes on run
(about 1 hour later)
Suspected Heathrow warehouse armed robber Peter Blake has gone on the run from his trial at London's High Court, while on court bail. Suspected Heathrow warehouse armed robber Peter Blake has gone on the run from his trial at a court in London.
Mr Blake, 57, who police described as dangerous, went missing on Wednesday. Mr Blake, described as "dangerous" left court to consult lawyers on Wednesday afternoon and did not return.
The man is one of four men standing trial over a £1.75m armed robbery at Heathrow Airport in 2004. The 57-year-old is one of four men standing trial over a £1.75m armed robbery at Heathrow Airport in 2004. He was on bail with a £260,000 bond.
It is the first crown court criminal trial to be held without a jury in England and Wales for more than 350 years. It is the first crown court criminal trial without a jury in England and Wales for more than 350 years.
'Professional robbery'
Police said Mr Blake, from Notting Hill, west London, went missing at 1415 GMT in the vicinity of the Royal Courts of Justice.Police said Mr Blake, from Notting Hill, west London, went missing at 1415 GMT in the vicinity of the Royal Courts of Justice.
A spokesman for the Judicial Communications Office said: "Mr Blake has complied with bail conditions throughout the two-and-a-half years.
Peter Blake is considered dangerous and we ask members of the public not to approach him Metropolitan Police
"He attended the morning session and the start of the afternoon session. He left the court building having been permitted to consult his legal team."
The spokesman continued: "Mr Blake failed to return to the courtroom. As a result the trial judge issued a warrant for his arrest."
A Crown Prosecution Service spokeswoman said the prosecution had opposed the granting of bail.
Officers have appealed for information in a bid to trace him.Officers have appealed for information in a bid to trace him.
He is described as white, 5ft 7in (1.7m) with blue eyes and grey receding hair.He is described as white, 5ft 7in (1.7m) with blue eyes and grey receding hair.
The defendant was last seen wearing dark trousers and a black anorak-style raincoat.The defendant was last seen wearing dark trousers and a black anorak-style raincoat.
Det Supt Stuart Cundy, of the MPS Flying Squad, said: "Peter Blake is considered dangerous and we would ask members of the public not to approach Peter Blake, but if they do see him to call 999 immediately." Det Supt Stuart Cundy, of the MPS Flying Squad, said: "Peter Blake is considered dangerous and we ask members of the public not to approach him, but if they do see him to call 999 immediately."
An all ports warning has been issued.An all ports warning has been issued.
Bail opposed Jury tampering 'danger'
The Crown Prosecution Service said Mr Blake has been on bail since August 2007, when his second trial ended with a hung jury. Mr Blake has been on bail since August 2007, when his second trial ended with a hung jury.
He had previously been in custody for two years.He had previously been in custody for two years.
A CPS spokeswoman said the prosecution had opposed the granting of bail. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Judge, made legal history by agreeing to allow Mr Blake's trial to be heard by a judge alone.
Mr Blake went on trial alongside John Twomey, Barry Hibberd and Glen Cameron at the Royal Courts of Justice in January. The judge said jury "tampering" was a "very significant" danger.
The four were being tried by Mr Justice Treacy after being accused of taking part in a "professionally executed" robbery. It is the first time the power has been used since it came into force in 2007.
An armed gang of six wearing high-visibility jackets escaped with £1.75m in various currencies, the court has heard. The trial continues and the three defendants accused alongside Mr Blake remain on bail.
All four men on trial have denied a series of charges including robbery and firearm possession.