The area being searched for a high risk prisoner who escaped from a Co Antrim courthouse yesterday has been widened police have confirmed.
Shots were fired by police as David Taggart (24) broke out just after being remanded in custody on charges of attempted murder and making threats to kill. Two security guards were injured in the melee at Lisburn Court in Co Antrim.
The Northern Ireland security Minister Shaun Woodward expressed shock at the escape. Officers fired a number of shots close to a stretch of railway line nearby, a police spokeswoman confirmed.
Taggart, who is described as 5ft 9ins, of medium build with blue eyes, fair hair and ginger stubble, had been a prisoner at the nearby Maghaberry Jail. He had been ordered back into custody with instructions to appear again of July 5th when he fled.
A Northern Ireland Court Service spokes person said: "Sometime later Taggart escaped from his cell. "Two Custody Officers were injured and the prisoner made good his escape from the Court premises. "The Northern Ireland Prison Service are responsible for the production of prisoners to the court.
"An investigation by both the Police and the Prison Authorities has commenced." Taggart, a life sentence inmate was in the custody of private firm Maybin Security Services at the time, the Prison Service said.
A spokesman added: "David Taggart is described as a high risk prisoner and should not be directly approached by members of the public." Police said there were no reports of any injuries after the shots were discharged.