FOR a month two prison escapees dodged detection as they made their bid for freedom.But today, robbers David Slack and James “Rocky” Purcell are back behind bars thanks to a chance detection in an Ipswich bargain clothing store and a charitable resident's vigilance.

FOR a month two prison escapees dodged detection as they made their bid for freedom.

But today, robbers David Slack and James “Rocky” Purcell are back behind bars thanks to a chance detection in an Ipswich bargain clothing store and a charitable resident's vigilance.

Slack was arrested after a resident who had offered him a place to stay alerted police, while Purcell was nabbed as he watched officers arresting a shop lifter in an Ipswich store.

Police said today that the pair, who were serving lengthy jail terms at Hollesley Bay, have been returned to the prison system.

For the full story see tonight's Evening Star.