TWO men escaped after a violent struggle at Lancaster Magistrates Court.

The men, who had been told they would be remanded in custody, leapt over the dock at the court and made off after a fight with staff from Group 4 security on Tuesday.

Members of the public who were in the court joined the tussle, which saw one Group 4 prison custody officer knocked unconscious. The man was later taken to hospital.

One of the prisoners, William Morrison, was later caught by police close to the Carlisle Bridge and St George's Quay in the city.

However, a second man, Andrew Stoiles, 18, formerly of Scott Road, Morecambe, is still at large and police are hoping for help from the public in recapturing him.

The police helicopter was scrambled to join the hunt for Stoiles, however, at the time of going to press, he is still at large.

A Group 4 spokesman said: "Two young men escaped after a violent struggle with members of staff.

"This is an appalling incident in which one of our officers was prevented from doing their duty in preventing the escape by a member of the public who held them back.

"That is totally unacceptable."

A police spokesman said: "We would like to thank the public for their help in apprehending Morrison and we would ask for their assistance in recovering the second prisoner."

Nobody at Lancaster Magistrates Court was prepared to comment or release any further details on the men.

Anyone with any information on Stoiles' whereabouts is asked to contact Lancaster Police on 01524 63333.