Police in pledge to track down Staffordshire murder suspect John Anslow
Detectives today said they were still determined to catch a murder suspect who remains on the run 12 months after his dramatic escape from custody.
John Anslow, who is wanted in connection with the murder of Staffordshire businessman Richard Deakin, was sprung from a prison van by a sledgehammer-wielding masked gang a year ago today.
His escape – the first by a category A prisoner in 17 years – sparked debate in the House of Lords and a security review by the Ministry of Justice.
In the past 12 months police have received more than 100 calls about the fugitive and there remains a £10,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
On the day of the escape Anslow, aged 32, was being taken from HMP Hewell in Redditch to Stafford Crown Court for a preliminary hearing. He had been charged with the murder of Walsall skip hire boss Mr Deakin a week earlier.
Police initially investigated potential sightings in Spain but a year later Anslow, from Tipton, still remains at large.
Det Supt Wayne Jones, from Staffordshire Police, said they were keeping an open mind about whether Anslow is in the UK or abroad.
He added: "This investigation is ongoing and a dedicated team of detectives continues to follow various lines of inquiry.
"We've had significant help, including over 100 calls from the public, over the past year for which we're very grateful. We remain determined to catch Anslow and are exploring all available avenues to do this."
The ambush in Hewell Lane, Bromsgrove, began when the gang forced the prison van to a halt by pulling a Volkswagen Scirocco in front of it. Police believe the gang then switched to a grey Mercedes, registration C63 AMG.
Anyone with information can call police on 01785 232503 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Father-of-two Mr Deakin, 27, was shot twice in his bed in Meadway Street, Chasetown, Burntwood on July 5, 2010.
He ran On Time Skips in Walsall.
