‘Pink Panther’ jewel thief escapes

A member of the notorious ‘Pink Panther’ jewel thief gang has escaped from a Swiss prison after accomplices rammed a gate and fired at guards.

Milan Poparic, 34, fled with fellow inmate Adrian Albrecht, 52, from the Orbe prison in the western canton (state) of Vaud late on Thursday, police said.

He is the third member of the Pink Panthers to escape from a Swiss prison in as many months, according to Vaud police.