Fugitive John Anslow's escape branded 'shocking'

The meticulously-planned escape of prisoner John Anslow, who is suspected of murdering a Staffordshire father, has been branded "shocking" in a debate at the House of Lords.

Anslow, who has been described as "dangerous" by police, is still at large after fleeing last month when a gang ambushed the prison van he was travelling in on its way to Stafford Crown Court from HMP Hewell, Redditch.

The 31-year-old fugitive is suspected of killing Chasetown man Richard Deakin, aged 27. In a debate in the Lords, Baroness Angela Smith of Basildon urged ministers to re-examine the categorisation of prisoners.

"Can I ask the minister if he will look into this and make arrangements to assure himself that when prisoners are being transported the security category is double-checked or reassessed to minimise any risk to the public and staff?" she asked.

Deputy Lords leader, Lord Tom McNally, said that recommendations from the formal investigation into the escape would determine what action would be taken.

He added he could not guarantee that guards were always armed when transporting the most dangerous Category A prisoners but said it was an issue the inquiry would look into.

Four other men from Wolverhampton have also been charged with murder.