Manhunt launched after Algerian man mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth

A manhunt has been launched after a second inmate was mistakenly released from prison in England.

The 24-year-old Algerian was released in error from HMP Wandsworth on October 29, however the Metropolitan Police were only notified of the mistaken release on Tuesday afternoon.

A Met Police spokesperson said: “Officers are carrying out urgent enquiries in an effort to locate him and return him to custody.”

It’s the second time a foreign national has been mistakenly freed from prison in recent weeks.

Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, was meant to be sent to an immigration detention centre to be deported, but was freed from HMP Chelmsford in October.

Epping Asylum seeker arrested after being mistakenly released from prison

UK & International

Epping Asylum seeker arrested after being mistakenly released from prison

Kebatu was meant to be sent to an immigration detention centre to be deported, but was freed at HMP Chelmsford on Friday by mistake.

He was later arrested on October 26 following a three-day manhunt.

At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge asked multiple times whether there had been any further mistaken releases.

Deputy prime minister David Lammy repeatedly refused to answer the question.

Addressing Lammy, Cartlidge said: “He’s the justice secretary. He’s responsible for the justice system. He needs to take responsibility.

“And I’m going to repeat it once more for the avoidance of doubt, because he did not answer it twice.

“Can he reassure the House that since Kebatu was released, no other asylum-seeking offender has been accidentally let out of prison?”

Mr Lammy, who stood in for Sir Keir Starmer, responded: “Get a grip, man, I know I’m the justice secretary, that’s why I’m at the despatch box.”

“We know that there have been spikes since 2021 under his watch. When did he come to this House and apologise?”

There was some confusion at the end of Cartlidge and David Lammy’s exchange at PMQs, where the shadow defence secretary appeared to think he was allowed one more question.

Cartlidge later made a point of order where he revealed that a police manhunt has been launched for a “second asylum seeker mistakenly freed from prison”.

“The question is whether [Lammy] was aware of this when I asked him repeatedly in PMQs,” Cartlidge said.