Murder police to question friends

Vincent Palmer escaped from Birmingham Crown Court in 1997

Detectives hunting a man who escaped from Birmingham Crown Court five years ago, will be visiting his friends and family in the north Birmingham area in an attempt to trace him.

Vincent Palmer, 37, who was born in the city, appeared in court on 30 June 1997 to stand trial with two other defendants for conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of firearms.

Police also want to speak to him in connection with the murder of Martin Silvester in West Bromwich two years ago.

Palmer still has contacts in the Kingstanding and Sutton Coldfield areas and detectives are planning to visit his friends, family and associates in the area in an attempt to trace his whereabouts.

Mr Silvester, 34, was shot in August 2001 as he sat in his car in Pikehelve Street, Wednesbury outside his business Wednesbury Logistical Services.

He died from a single bullet wound to the heart after being beaten and pistol whipped.

Mr Silvester was shot as he sat in his car

After he was attacked the divorced father-of-two managed to drive his car to nearby Bagnall Street where he crashed outside the Miners Arms pub.

West Midlands Police said Palmer was a violent man who was already serving a 13-year sentence for robbery and possession of firearms.

He is known to have maintained contact and visited friends and criminal associates since his escape from court.

A police spokesman said: "Palmer is a dangerous man and needs to be brought into custody. Anyone who knows where he is urged to call us."

He is described as white, 5'8", with brown hair which is greying, blue eyes, slim athletic build and a Birmingham accent.