A SUSPECTED armed robber who escaped from police custody in Barnsley was yesterday still on the run.
Shaun Jones was one of a gang arrested when police launched an armed raid on a Leeds city centre hotel on Tuesday in connection with two robberies in Barnsley.
He escaped later from Barnsley hospital where he had been taken for treatment to an injury. The Chronicle understands he was handcuffed but managed to barge past his police guard.
Jones then managed to flee even though he had been struck by a police baton. A police armed response unit was called in to search for him.
The Chronicle has learned that Jones had absconded from Wealstun open prison a few months ago. He was arrested in connection with armed raids last month at New Lodge post office and the Nationwide building society on Eldon Street.
Police refused to comment on the escape but confirmed six people, four men and two women, were arrested in Leeds city centre in connection with an armed raid in Barnsley.
A spokesman said they were all questioned at separate police stations and five of them have been bailed until January next year.
They declined to give a description of Jones or any information about him.
