Jewel heist suspect flees by walking out of court

A MAN facing trial for a major jewel robbery was being hunted by police last night after he went on the run by simply walking away from court.

Peter Blake, who police warn is dangerous and has previously had access to firearms, was reported missing just after the lunch break at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

The Court of Appeal ruled last year that the case should be heard by a judge alone because of the danger of jury-tampering. It is the fourth trial over the 1.75 million heist at Heathrow Airport after three previous attempts collapsed at a cost of 22m.

It is believed that Blake, 57, who was seen waiting for the trial to restart, left the building. He is described as white and 5ft 7in tall, with blue eyes and grey receding hair. He was last seen wearing dark trousers and a black, anorak-style raincoat.

Flying Squad officers have alerted all ports and are making inquiries at smaller airports across the country.

Blake is accused, along with John Twomey, Barry Hibberd and Glen Cameron, of taking part in the hold-up at a Heathrow warehouse in February 2004.