Court escapee charged

Getaway car used in the incident has been found

Police hunting two men who were sprung from the dock of a magistrates' court by an armed gang have charged a man with escape from lawful custody.

Ricky Loveridge, 22, will appear at a special sitting of a magistrates court at a time and place to be confirmed, Thames Valley police said.

Balaclava-clad men brandishing a sawn-off shotgun and a handgun rushed into the magistrates' court at Slough, Berkshire, on Thursday, fired shots into the ceiling and fled with two of the three defendants in the dock.

Police forensic experts are continuing to examine a car detectives believe was used as a getaway vehicle.

Forensic tests

The car, a silver Subaru Impreza, was spotted on the Surrey/Berkshire border on Thursday night.

A police spokesman would not give the exact location of the four-wheel drive car but he said that the vehicle was being examined by scenes of crime officers.

He said: "For very sensitive operational reasons it cannot be disclosed where the vehicle was recovered from.

"Detectives are out and about, mainly in the Slough area, interviewing witnesses who have come forward."

Forensic experts are also continuing to examine the courtroom and surrounding area.

Anyone due to have appeared at the court on Friday - including witnesses, defendants or members of the public - have been given a new appearance date.

It is expected that Slough Magistrates' Court will reopen fully on Monday.

Police are continuing to hunt an escaped prisoner they named as Richard Hurley, 19, of Feltham, west London, who had been held on remand at Reading prison charged with burglary.

They are also still seeking the armed gang.