Police in Merseyside have launched an urgent manhunt after a prisoner escaped from a custody van outside Liverpool Magistrates' Court. The escaped man has been identified as Stephen Grzyb, 22, from the West Derby/Dovecot area of Liverpool. Grzyb was being transported from Belle Vale custody suite to the magistrates' court when he escaped, officers said.
Merseyside Police have released an undated photograph of Grzyb as part of the public appeal. The 22-year-old is a burglary suspect, and the force has asked anyone who sees him to call 999 immediately. Officers said the escape happened as the prison van arrived outside the court building, and Grzyb is believed to have fled on foot.
Grzyb was being moved from police custody in Belle Vale to Liverpool Magistrates' Court at the time of the incident. He was expected to appear before magistrates in connection with a burglary case. The escape took place outside the court building as the vehicle arrived, and police immediately began searching for the 22-year-old. A prison van had been used for the transfer, and the prisoner made off on foot.
The appeal for information has been led by Merseyside Police, who have shared the undated handout photograph with the public. The photograph was issued by the force and is part of a wider effort to trace Grzyb. Police have said anyone who recognises him, or who has any information about his whereabouts, should contact them immediately.
The exact circumstances of the escape have not been made public. Police have not explained how Grzyb managed to leave the custody van, and the focus so far has been on asking the public for help. The manhunt is being described as urgent, with officers appealing directly for sightings. An undated photograph has been circulated in the hope that someone will recognise the 22-year-old.
Grzyb is from the West Derby/Dovecot area of Liverpool. Belle Vale, where the custody suite is based, is also in Liverpool, as is Liverpool Magistrates' Court. Belle Vale custody suite is a police detention facility in Liverpool. The transfer from the custody suite to the court was taking place entirely within the city when the prisoner escaped.
Anyone who sees Grzyb should not hesitate to contact emergency services by calling 999, police said. Officers have also asked anyone with information about his movements to come forward. The manhunt remains under way, and Merseyside Police have continued to urge the public to report any sightings.
