Police have launched an international manhunt for an "extremely dangerous" murder suspect who escaped from a prison van in Worcestershire after it was ambushed by three masked men armed with sledgehammers.

John Anslow, from Tipton, was sprung from custody after a "well-orchestrated armed ambush" in Redditch.
UK ports and airports were put on alert as the public was warned not to approach him.

Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke said that Anslow must be found quickly and ordered an inquiry into the incident.

The gang stopped the van shortly after it left Hewell Prison, smashed its windows and punched its driver as it was transferring inmates from prison to Stafford Crown Court on Monday morning.

Three men used a silver Volkswagen Scirocco to stop the prison van shortly after it left Hewell Grange Prison before smashing its windows and punching its driver in the face.

Anslow, who is described as white, 5ft 10in and of medium build, with short, straight, dark brown hair, escaped.
The two other prisoners remained in the van after the attack in Hewell Lane, Tardebigge, near Bromsgrove.

Anslow was one of five men charged with the murder of Richard Deakin, who was shot dead in Chasetown, Staffordshire, in 2010.

Police believe Anslow and the three masked men switched to a silver Mercedes car, with the partial registration KR11, in Stoney Lane, Bromsgrove, soon after the attack.

>> Next page: Shocking murder of Richard Deakin >>