Jailbreak robber is caught
A "violent and dangerous" armed robber, who was sprung from a prison van, was back behind bars today following eight days on the run. Convicted armed robber Craig Hickinbottom escaped last week. Police launched a manhunt and warned people not to approach the 25-year-old, from Oldbury,
who was serving time for armed robberies in Kingswinford and Stourbridge.
The focus of the search switched to his home town in Sandwell after the getaway car, used in the ambush, was found abandoned there hours later.
Hickinbottom, pictured, was picked up from an address in Smethwick last night and charged with escaping from lawful custody.
Two men, aged 23 and 24, were arrested at the same time on suspicion of assisting an offender unlawfully at large.
Hickinbottom had been freed after two hooded men in a silver Audi braked in front of a prison van and threatened the driver with a hand gun. The car was later recovered in Blue Rock Place, Oldbury.
The daring raid took place just yards from the entrance to Blakenhurst Prison, near Redditch, as Hickinbotton was being returned after a court appearance. He was expected to be released in a few weeks' time.
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