Police catch armed robber who fled Ford prison

David Blood, 48, absconded from Ford on Thursday, June 12. He was recaptured in Hampshire yesterday evening (Tuesday, June 24).

He had been jailed for life at Stafford Crown Court in 2003 after he was convicted of robbing a post office in Wylde Green with a number of other men in the West Midlands in December 2000.

Sussex Police issued a number of appeals for information and officers liaised with a number of forces across the country to try to trace him.

Blood was arrested at about 7pm yesterday in Winchester by Hampshire police officers.

Detective Inspector Russ Burgess said: “Blood was arrested after information was received that he was in Winchester.

“He has now been charged and is in the custody of Hampshire police.

“I would like to thank everyone that contacted us or other forces with information about Blood and would encourage anyone to call us if they know where any wanted people are.

“We are continuing to track down and arrest men who have absconded from Ford Prison and will not stop until each and every one has been returned to custody to complete their sentence.”

Blood will appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Thursday, June 26) charged with escaping from lawful custody.

Anyone with information about absconders should call 101, email [email protected] or call 0800 555111.

To keep track of Sussex Police arresting suspects and tackling crime, follow #catchingcriminals on Twitter.

For a full round-up of Ford’s most-wanted absconding prisoners still sought by police.