Heathrow hold-up accused on the run

A man accused of taking part in a £1.75 million armed hold-up at a Heathrow warehouse was being hunted by police today.

Scotland Yard warned the public to beware of "dangerous" Peter Blake, 57, after he disappeared from the Royal Courts of Justice, in central London.

He was one of four alleged armed robbers put on trial without a jury accused of the February 2004 heist.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Cundy, of the Flying Squad, said all ports have been alerted to Blake's disappearance.

He said: "Peter Blake is considered as dangerous and we would ask members of the public not to approach Peter Blake, but if they do see him to call 999 immediately."

Blake was last seen at the Royal Courts of Justice, in the Strand, at about 2.15pm yesterday.

He is described as a white man, 5ft 7ins tall with blue eyes and grey receding hair. He was last seen wearing dark trousers and a black anorak-style coat.

Anyone with information should call the Flying Squad in Finchley on 020 7230 8666 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Blake, of Notting Hill, west London, went on trial alongside John Twomey, Barry Hibberd and Glen Cameron at the Royal Courts of Justice in January.

The foursome were being tried by Mr Justice Treacy after being accused of taking part in a "professionally executed" robbery.

The court heard an armed gang of six wearing high-visibility jackets escaped with £1.75 million in various currencies.

Guns were used to threaten 16 members of staff, who were then tied up. One of them was shot at as he tried to escape.

The Court of Appeal ruled last year that the case should be heard by a judge alone because of the danger of jury tampering.

It is the first major criminal trial in England and Wales to be held without a jury.

All four men on trial deny a series of charges including robbery and firearm possession.