Police chopper crash lands

PORT OF SPAIN – A national security helicopter taking part in the search for eight men, seven of whom are facing murder charges and considered to be dangerous was forced to make an emergency landing yesterday.

The helicopter landed in a clearing in Windy Hill, Arouca.There were no reports of injuries to the pilot and it is not known whether there were other people were on board.

Prison Commissioner Gerard Wilson said the men were at the Remand Yard of the Golden Grove Prison on Tuesday night, and escaped by cutting through the bars of the prison cell in which they were being held.

“It is a pretty small hole, so I guess they may have fasted during the period in order to make good their escape,” he said, adding “seven of them are charged for murder and one for attempted robbery and arms and ammunition.

“My concern at this time is for the safety and security of the citizens out there because in my view these persons are notorious, I know them and I know they can do harm. My concern is that we re-capture them as soon as possible.” (CMC)