The murder suspect on the run for six months with 1,500 Facebook friends and a 'fan page' in his honour

• John Anslow thought to be on run in Spain or Northern Africa
• Logged onto Facebook two weeks ago to add 400 new friends
• Posted photos of him swimming with dolphins since his escape

By Ian Garland

PUBLISHED: 14:48 EST, 8 July 2012 | UPDATED: 08:50 EST, 9 July 2012

A murder suspect who's been on the run from the police for six months has become a Facebook 'celebrity' with 1,500 'friends' and a fan page in his honour.

John Anslow, was broken out of a prison van by a gang of balaclava-clad men on his way to court in January - making him the first category A prisoner to escape in 17 years.

The 32-year-old from Tipton, West Midlands - who is believed to have fled to Spain or Northern Africa - broke cover from his hiding place last month to read messages of support from loved-ones and 'fans' and accept 400 news Facebook friends.

Anslow smiles while swimming with dolphins in a photo posted on Facebook since his release

Anslow has gathered over 1,500 on his personal Facebook page - adding 400 when he logged onto the site from his hiding place in June.

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A special Facebook fan site has also been set up in his honour, set up just three days after he escaped in Janyar.

Named 'John Anslow is A Innocent MAN Being SET UP' it has over 300 likes and messages of encouragement from wellwishers.

Both pages feature photos of Anslow posing swimming with dolphins.

His taunting tactics have earned him messages of support from friends. One, named Ricky Donnelly, wrote: 'Keep up the good work.

A police source told The Sun: 'This is embarrassing for the police. He thinks he's untouchable now and it's like he's playing to crowd.'

Others suspect Anslow may be at risk of being harmed by the people who helped him escape, who fear he may name them to the police.

A reward of ?10,000 has been offered to anyone who can help bring Anslow to justice.

Police suspect Anslow may be at risk from those who helped him escape prison

Police are offering a ?10,000 reward for information that leads to Anslow's recapture

The 32-year-old is the first category A prisoner to escape in 17 years

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Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2170580/The-murder-suspect-run-months-1-500-Facebook-friends-fan-page-honour.html?ITO=1490

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