The most daring prison escapes

Julien Chautard, London, 2009: Arsonist Chautard escaped from Pentonville prison in London last week by clinging to the underside of the prison van that had just brought him there Photograph: HO/AFP/Getty Images

Billy Hayes, Turkey, 1975: Sentenced to 30 years for drug smuggling, the 22-year-old American (second from right) escaped from a prison island in a rowing boat, and walked halfway across Turkey to escape Photograph: AP

Frank Morris, Alcatraz, 1962: Morris, along with two other convicts, chipped through the concrete of their cells, wriggled through the ventilation system and attempted to get off the prison island on makeshift rafts. They were never seen again, and are assumed to have drowned Photograph: AP

John Anglin, Alcatraz, 1962: Anglin broke out of the notorious Alcatraz prison along with Frank Morris; they used nail clippers and spoons to tunnel out of their cells but are assumed to have drowned while attempting to leave the island on makeshift rafts Photograph: Associated Press

Henri Charriére (Papillon), French Guiana, 1930s: The Paris mobster repeatedly attempted to escape various prisons in the French colonies. His story was turned into a film starring Steve McQueen Photograph: Collect / Martin Argles/Guardian

Pascal Payet, France, 2001-2007: Convicted murderer Payet escaped from three jails; each time by helicopter Photograph: Rex Features

Ronnie Biggs, London, 1965: Used a rope and ladder to escape from Wandsworth prison. Biggs eventually found his way to Brazil, where he stayed for 35 years before voluntarily returning in 2001 Photograph: Getty Images/Getty Images

The Texas Seven, south Texas, 2000: Seven prisoners escaped from a high-security prison near the city of Kenedy using an elaborate series of stolen prison uniforms and ID Photograph: AP