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SINGAPORE: Two men facing charges in the Subordinate Courts attempted to escape from the court's lock-up on Wednesday afternoon, but were re-arrested after a short pursuit.
Police say the men had been placed in the same cell while awaiting transfer to Queenstown Remand Prison.
They had earlier appeared in court in the morning on separate charges related to robbery with hurt.
At about 1:45pm, the two seized the opportunity to escape when a police officer opened the cell gate to give one of the men some water he had requested.
After punching and kicking the officer in the face and stomach, they headed for the exit and pressed the buzzer.
The officer responding to the buzzer failed to verify their identity before opening the gate, enabling the men to make their way up to the ground floor lobby of the court complex.
Police officers were immediately deployed to seal off all exits.
Within 10 minutes the two were spotted in the lobby.
One of them was caught just before the main entrance while the other was re-arrested after a short chase.
Acting Commander of Central Police Division, Superintendent Lee Ping Yue, said there was no danger to the public and that immediate steps have been taken to enhance security at the lock-up.
Police Commissioner Koh Boon Hui said he was treating the matter seriously and has directed the Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the matter, including whether there had been any negligence involving the officers.
For attacking the officer, police say the men will be charged with voluntarily causing hurt to a public servant. They could be jailed up to seven years, fined and/or caned. They will also face charges for escaping from legal custody and could be jailed up to two years and/or fined. - CNA/de
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