Minister orders report on prisoner's escape

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald has asked for a report into the circumstances surrounding the escape of convicted armed robber Derek Brockwell.

Ms Fitzgerald said it is a priority that he be returned to prison as quickly as possible

She said there was an ongoing operation by gardaí and the Irish Prison Service to apprehend Brockwell, adding her thoughts are with the prison officers who were attacked and injured in the incident.

Gardaí have informed Interpol that Brockwell is at large.

All airport and harbour authorities have also been alerted, while the public is being urged not to approach him.

Brockwell, 53, escaped yesterday afternoon from Tallaght Hospital.

He was escorted there by three prison officers for treatment for diabetes.

Further detail has emerged in relation to Brockwell's escape from the hospital.

He was allowed to go to the toilet - one of the cubicles was occupied - and when he came out of the other, he was armed with a knife and two prison officers were attacked and stabbed.

Brockwell was categorised as a dangerous inmate with a record of violent crime and is known to have used guns and knives during a series of armed robberies and was locked up in a maximum security prison.

Both officers underwent surgery in the intensive care unit last night.

Brockwell, who had been serving a seven-year sentence for robbery and possession of firearms, was driven away from the hospital on a motorbike by an accomplice.

Brockwell is described as 1.90m (6'3") tall with brown hair and a broad build.

Police in Britain have described him as a dangerous individual.

All known associates of Brockwell, including those who had visited him in Portlaoise Prison, are being checked.

Gardaí are also viewing CCTV footage.

Gabriel Keaveney, Assistant General Secretary of the Prison Officers' Association, said in their opinion there is no way this high profile prisoner should have been escorted without an armed guard.

Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Sean O'Rourke, he said the intelligence the prison service had in advance of this escort should be examined in great detail.

He said there are 90,000 prisoners in England and Wales and this man was "on the UK's most wanted list apparently".

He said it "beggars belief that the prison service in January 2014 removed the Garda escort that would normally be associated with such a high profile prisoner."

The POA has called for its members to be issued with stab vests, pepper spray and extendable batons.

The Irish Prison Service said a full investigation is under way into the circumstances of the escape.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01-6666000, the Garda Confidential line on 1800-666111 or any garda station.

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Minister orders report on prisoner's escape

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