Prisoner escapes from custody at courthouse

A Garda manhunt is underway in Co Limerick after a prisoner escaped from custody.

The 42-year-old from Limerick City – who was serving a two-year jail sentence – was at Charleville District Court shortly before midday when he made his bid for freedom.

He was brought from Castlerea prison for the court appearance.

The court was not sitting when he was brought to the bathroon by three prison officers.

When he came out he brandished a knife, threatened the prison officers and managed to escape from the building.

He ran across the road from the courthouse where he tried to hijack a car but failed.

The man continued up the Tipperary road from the town where he found a car with keys in the ignition.

This car has since been found abandoned near the village of Knockaney.

The prisoner has since stolen a second car again with the keys in the ignition.

Meanwhile all ports and airports have been put on alert as the man remains at large.