DO NOT APPROACH: Kwami Richards breaks out of prison van and escapes on tube after assaulting cop

POLICE are warning the public not to approach a fugitive after he escaped from a prison van before attacking a police officer who gave chase.

Convicted burglar Kwami Richards, 42, was about to be transported to prison after being recalled for breaching his licence conditions when he escaped.

It is not clear how he got out of the van outside Brixton Police Station at about 2pm on Friday.

Police issued an appeal for information about his whereabouts yesterday.

A Met Police spokesman said: "He had been arrested by Met officers and was in the process of being transported to prison by a private security company when the incident occurred.

"Enquiries into how Richards escaped from the van remain ongoing.

"He was pursued by a police officer who witnessed the incident into Brixton Underground Station. The officer was assaulted as he attempted to detain Richards who then boarded a Victoria Line train.

Richards should not be approached, and the public are asked to call 999 immediately if he is seen.