Prisoner escapes police and goes on carjacking hit-and-run rampage

A PRISONER who fled from outside St Leonards police station carjacked a woman at Holyrood Park before running over a Reliance officer pursuing him as he made his getaway.

• St Leonards police station

The 24-year-old man escaped from two prisoner officers outside the station at 8.15am today and was chased on foot towards the park.

The prisoner flagged down a black Ford Fiesta being driven by a 24-year-old woman on Holyrood Park Road before threatening her.

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The man allegedly drove the vehicle at a 29-year-old Reliance officer near the entrance to Pollock Halls and knocked him down.

The Reliance worker is now in Edinburgh Royal Infirmary receiving treatment for leg and chest injuries.

Reliance staff, who are tasked with transporting prisoners, called police and a number of police vehicles joined the pursuit as the fleeing prisoner drove through Holyrood Park on Queen's Drive.

He continued on to Lochend Road before driving onto Primrose Street where the Fiesta struck a bollard and overturned at about 8.30am.

The prisoner has been taken to the ERI for treatment to minor facial injuries. He is set to be released into police custody.

The roads within the park were closed to allow investigations at the scene to continue.

The female car owner was uninjured in the incident.

A police spokesman said: "Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time, and who may have witnessed what happened, to contact them directly on 0131 311 3131, or through the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

"Investigations are continuing and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal."

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