A search for a man on the run from prison closed the M6 for two hours, causing 14 miles of queuing traffic.
All traffic was stopped in both directions on the M6 at Junction 20 (Lymm) at around 6.30pm on Wednesday, March 23, following a 'police incident'. Traffic was tailing back for a total of 14 miles from the Lymm Interchange back to junction 19 (A556), Winwick and onto the M56.
Cheshire Police has now confirmed the M6 was closed on the Lymm slip road and near Poplars slip road due to searches for a man who absconded from a prison in Warrington.
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Jonathan Simpson, 40, was last seen at HMP Thorn Cross in Appleton at 9am on Wednesday, March 23. Officers are currently carrying out a number of enquiries in a bid to trace the 40-year-old and they are urging anyone with information as to his whereabouts to get in touch.
Simpson is described as white, 5’ 11” tall with black shaved hair, green eyes and a beard. He was last seen wearing a dark navy under armour tracksuit and has ‘Krystal’ tattooed on his upper right arm.
He is known to have links within the West Yorkshire area.
Inspector Neil Anson said: “We currently have numerous officers and police dogs visible in ongoing searches for Simpson. While numerous enquiries are ongoing we’re urging anyone who sees Simpson to not approach him but to instead call Cheshire Constabulary immediately on 999 quoting IML 1228955.
“Officers will be maintaining a presence around the prison and in the local area to provide reassurance to the community. If you have any concerns please do speak to one of them.”
The M6 reopened to all traffic at around 8.30pm.
Information can also be passed on anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
