http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGIORKTMGBC.html

Aug 3, 2000 – 12:32 PM

Armed Gunmen Storm Courtroom and Escape With Two Prisoners The
Associated Press SLOUGH, England (AP) – A pair of masked gunmen burst
into a courtroom Thursday and escaped with two defendants being held
without bail, police said.

Several shots were fired during the incident at the magistrates court in
Slough, west of London, but no one was struck, Thames Valley Police
said.

A policeman suffered minor injuries when he was hit over the head with a
gun butt during a struggle with the masked men, authorities said.

“It was all over in a matter of seconds,” said eyewitness Richard
Wareham, who was in a waiting room when the men stormed in. “I had
heard the gunfire go off, there was shouting and then two prisoners ran
out followed by the others.”

The men who escaped were identified by the Prison Service as Richard
Hurley, 19, charged with burglary, and Ricky Loveridge, 22, charged with
conspiracy to burgle.

A third defendant appearing in court with the pair did not flee with the
gunmen, police spokesman Richard Goodfellow said.

The court building was closed until Friday so forensic officers could
comb the area for clues, and surrounding roads were sealed off.