One of Belgium's most dangerous criminals escaped Thursday when a helicopter plucked him from a prison in the city of Bruges, the news agency Belga reported. Quoting radio reports, Belga said Ashraf Sekkaki escaped after an accomplice took the helicopter pilot hostage and forced him to land in the prison courtyard, dpa reported. Two other inmates were believed to have climbed into the helicopter with Sekkaki before it took off. Media reports said Sekkaki had 16 convictions for violent crimes, including kidnapping.
