The manhunt is continue for an asylum seeker who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl, after he was accidentally released from prison.
Essex Police said on Saturday that Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was last seen in London, as officers continue to scour CCTV in an effort to find him.
The Ethiopian National, 38, was jailed for 12 months in September. Reports of his crimes triggered months of anti-asylum seeker protests in Epping and other areas across the country.
He was meant to be sent to an immigration detention centre to be deported, but was freed at HMP Chelmsford on Friday by mistake.
Essex Police said on Saturday morning that officers had worked through the night to track Kebatu’s movements.
“Inquiries are continuing at pace this morning to locate and arrest a man following a Prison Service releasing error yesterday,” the force said in a statement.
“Officers worked throughout the night to track his movements, including scouring hours of CCTV footage, and this work continues today.
“Our inquiries show that he was last seen in the London area, and this is our focus.
“It is not lost on us that this situation is concerning to people, and we are committed to locating and arresting him as quickly as possible.”
Justice Secretary David Lammy said on Friday night that Kebatu was “at large in London” after he was seen boarding a train at Chelmsford, and the Metropolitan Police was assisting in the hunt for him.
The father of Kebatu’s teenage victim told Sky News: “The justice system has let us down.” hitsessexnews
Manhunt continues for Epping asylum seeker released from prison by mistake
Hadush Kebatu was seen taking a train from Chelmsford towards London on Friday
Hadush Kebatu caught on police bodyworn camera
The manhunt is continuing for an asylum seeker who was accidentally released from where he was serving time for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, was jailed for 12 months in September.
Justice Secretary David Lammy said on Friday night that Kebatu was “at large in London” after he was seen boarding a train at Chelmsford, and the Metropolitan Police was assisting in the hunt for him.
The father of Kebatu’s teenage victim told Sky News: “The justice system has let us down.”
The Sun first reported on Friday that Kebatu was meant to be sent to an immigration detention centre to be deported, but was freed by mistake.
He was wrongly categorised as a prisoner due to be released on licence and handed a £76 discharge grant, the Telegraph reported.
Sir Keir Starmer said the accidental release was “totally unacceptable”.
The Prime Minister said: “I am appalled that it has happened and it’s being investigated.
“The police are working urgently to track him down, and my government is supporting them.
“This man must be caught and deported for his crimes.”
Deputy Prime Minister Mr Lammy said was “livid on behalf of the public” and added that he had launched an investigation into the error.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said that Kebatu’s release was “staggering incompetence” and called for a public inquiry.
He told Sky News: “We certainly need a public inquiry into how this dangerous illegal immigrant, who is also a child sex offender, got released.
“We also need an urgent apology from Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Justice Secretary David Lammy who have presided over this fiasco.”
A fresh statement from Essex Police on Saturday morning said: “Enquiries are continuing at pace this morning to locate and arrest a man following a prison service releasing error yesterday.
“Officers from Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police are working together in this fast-moving and complex investigation.
“Officers worked throughout the night to track his movements, including scouring hours of CCTV footage, and this work continues today.
“Our enquiries show that he was last seen in the London area, and this is our focus.
“We would urge anyone who sees him, knows where he is or has any information to call 999 immediately.
“We would like to thank the public for their support and the information they have already shared.
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