BRITISH and Irish police are searching for an escaped prisoner who allegedly stabbed two prison officers before fleeing a Dublin hospital yesterday.
Derek Brockwell was just over two years into a seven-year sentence for armed robbery, which he was serving in Portlaoise Prison. The Glasgow native has connections in Ireland and across Scotland and police believe he may be bound for Britain.
The serial offender previously absconded while serving a life sentence in Lancashire for a string of robberies, making his escape while on day release in February 2012.
He was later arrested in Ireland and began a separate sentence for an armed robbery in Dublin in Portlaoise Prison in October of that year.
Brockwell was brought from the midlands prison to Tallaght Hospital in Dublin yesterday for treatment, when he made his escape.
He is alleged to have attacked two prison officers, stabbing one in the stomach and one in the hand and back, before making his escape on the back of a motorbike driven by a waiting accomplice.
Both victims are believed to be in a stable condition – though the officer stabbed in the stomach underwent emergency surgery for his injuries.
British and Irish police have warned the public in both countries to be vigilant.
A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said:
“A full investigation has commenced to establish the facts and circumstances leading to this very serious incident.”
Brockwell, who has been described as a dangerous individual, is 6ft 3ins tall, has brown hair and a broad build.
British ports are being watched in case he makes his way here and Interpol have been informed.
Michael Donnellan, the director general of the Irish Prison Service, has said that his thoughts are with the injured officers at this time.
