Southend prisoner escaped transport vehicle, police say

A man escaped custody while being transported after a court hearing, police have said.

Sid Kemp, 31, was appearing at Southend Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary hearing charged with driving offences on Monday.

Essex Police said he was being taken to a prisoner transport vehicle operated by independent contractor Serco when he fled. Serco said it was investigating.

The force said he was not a risk to the wider public, and that he was last seen in The Clusters which is where he lives in Southend-on-Sea.

“We’re carrying out extensive inquiries to trace Sid Kemp,” said Supt Jamie Gingell.

“We would ask anyone who sees him to please call 999 rather than approaching him, or if you have information as to his whereabouts.”

Mr Kemp was charged with failing to stop his BMW 116D Sport on 5 July after being requested to by police.

He is also charged with driving a vehicle without third-party insurance and driving a motor vehicle otherwise rather than in accordance with his licence.

The suspect was described as a white man, 6ft tall (1.8m) and with short black hair. He also has sleeve tattoos on both arms.

Supt Gingell said people with information could also contact the charity Crimestoppers.

Essex Police said its officers were not present when he escaped custody.

A Serco spokesperson said: “A full investigation is under way into the incident at Southend Magistrates’ Court.”