A prisoner escaped custody from Manchester Magistrates' Court on Monday afternoon, triggering a swift police response in the city centre. The incident occurred at around 3:30pm on July 13, 2026, when the inmate absconded from the court building located in the Spinningfields area.
Police Response and Search
Officers immediately attended the scene, with a police van and car seen parked along New Court Street, behind Crown Square and the Manchester and Salford Magistrates' court buildings. A search operation was launched, lasting approximately 25 minutes.
A witness at the scene told the M.E.N: “We assumed he came from the courts. He was definitely on the run, there was a massive bang and then shouting. Then loads of police came from all over and loads of cars from nowhere searching for him.”
Suspect Located and Arrested
Following the search, a 22-year-old man was located and arrested on suspicion of escaping lawful custody and assault of an emergency worker. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the suspect has been taken into custody for questioning.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police stated: "Shortly before 3.30pm on Monday 13 July 2026, we received a report that a prisoner had absconded from Manchester Magistrates Court. Officers swiftly attended and searches commenced for the man. Around 25 minutes later, a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of escaping lawful custody and assault of an emergency worker. He remains in custody for questioning."
