An urgent manhunt has been launched after a male suspect escaped a custody van moments after it pulled up outside court.
Stephen Grzyb, 22, of Princess Drive, Liverpool, had been due to appear at Liverpool magistrates' court this morning charged with a domestic-related burglary. He was last seen running down Red Cross Street in the direction of The Strand.
Police appeal
Merseyside Police released a photograph of Grzyb and stated in an urgent appeal that "he remains on the run". He is described as white, with short, dark hair and was last seen wearing a navy T-shirt and navy shorts.
Police officers are carrying out extensive inquiries to locate him, and patrols have also attended the home of the alleged victim in the case.
'Please call 999'
Inspector Bethan Hannon said: "We understand the concern this incident will cause, and it is vital the public can see Grzyb's face so they can report any sightings and help us bring him back into custody as soon as possible.
"If you have heard from him or know where he is, please do the right thing and come forward. Assisting him in any way will bring police to your own door, so it is not an association worth keeping.
"If you see Grzyb, please call 999 immediately. We are carrying out extensive enquiries to find him with patrols on foot and CCTV enquiries being made right across the city centre so that we can return him to custody."
