A wanted man is at large after making a dramatic escape from a prison van earlier today. On Saturday, 1 August, Stephen Grzyb, 22, from Princess Drive in the West Derby/Dovecot area, was being transferred from Belle Vale custody suite to Liverpool Magistrates Court by prisoner transport contractor GEOAmey.
Grzyb made his bid for freedom when the vehicle pulled up outside the court at approximately 10am, fleeing down Red Cross Street towards The Strand. He had been due to appear in court after being charged with a domestic-related burglary.
He is described as white with short dark hair, and was last seen wearing a navy T-shirt and navy shorts.
Officers are currently carrying out extensive enquiries to track him down. Patrols have also been deployed to the alleged victim’s address to ensure their safety while the search continues.
The Liverpool Echo was alerted to the escaped prisoner this morning, with police officers later spotted outside the court and along Red Cross Street.
View 2 ImagesPolice on Red Cross Street, by Liverpool Magistrates Court, this morning after the prisoner escaped(Image: Kate Moseley/Liverpool Echo)
Temporary 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.”
The public has been urged to dial 999 immediately upon spotting him.
Alternatively, Merseyside Police can be reached via their social media channels on X and Facebook @MerPolCC, through their website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101 and quoting incident reference 26000615520.
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Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or through their website at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
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