Newington Causeway hijack arrest

The arrest on Monday in Spain is in connection with allegations of robbery, firearms offences and escaping from lawful custody.

Clifford Hobbs, among Scotland Yard's twelve most wanted men, was one of three remand prisoners who escaped in June 2003 from a Securicor prison van in Avonmouth Street, off Newington Causeway. The men were all being taken from HMP Brixton to the Inner London Crown Court for court appearances.

The van was ambushed by two men on foot, both in possession of handguns.
The driver was shot in the leg by one of the suspects. The security guard
travelling in the rear of the van was pistol-whipped across his face.

The three prisoners escaped from the rear of the van and, with the two suspects, ran off on foot through Newington Gardens.

Following arrest Clifford Hobbs remains in custody in Spain while the Metropolitan Police seeks extradition.

The third man who escaped subsequently handed himself into a London police station.

The remaining escapee is Noel Francis Cunningham aged 45. Anyone who has information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.