UK - Manhunt in Manchester as balaclava-clad gang frees two from Salford prison van

Police have launched a manhunt after two men were sprung from a prison van in Greater Manchester while being transported to court.

Three men wearing balaclavas, one of whom is believed to have had a sawn-off shotgun, attacked the van shortly after 9am on Tuesday in Salford, about half a mile from Manchester crown court and Strangeways prison.

Two of the three prisoners in the van escaped. They were Ryan MacDonald, 20, who was due to be sentenced for conspiracy to commit robbery, and Stevie McMullen, 31, who was on trial for conspiracy to kidnap, conspiracy to rob, conspiracy to commit arson and conspiracy to possess firearms.

Police released images of the pair, and Ch Supt Kevin Mulligan said McMullen in particular posed a danger if approached.
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In 2011 two Liverpool gangsters were freed in a similar attack on a prison van off the same stretch of road. Tony Downes and Kirk Bradley escaped in an ambush as they were being taken from Strangeways to Liverpool crown court.
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