UK Prison Blunder Triggers Manhunt: HMP Wandsworth Prisoner Released by Mistake | Manhunt Under Way After Foreign Prisoner Mistakenly Freed From HMP Wandsworth

The incident took place at London’s famous prison, HMP Wandsworth, where a 24-year-old Algerian national was released today due to a mistake by the officials.

Mistakes by officials in London have once again put the British government in the spotlight. A mistake at HMP Wandsworth led to the release of a foreign prisoner.

When this matter was leaked in the media, police action was taken and political backlash was seen. It is not that this is the first incident in HMP Wandsworth jail in which a prisoner was released without completing his sentence. There have been many incidents before this also in which prisoners were released without completing their sentence. This time, due to the news of this wrongful release being leaked in the media, an alert has been issued in HMP Wandsworth jail. When this information was leaked to the media, it was being called a mistake.

Manhunt Under Way After Foreign Prisoner Mistakenly Freed From HMP Wandsworth

The prisoner mistakenly released is a 24-year-old Algerian national. He was serving a sentence for intentional trespassing and theft. Metropolitan Police have not yet disclosed the specific crime for which he was serving a sentence. Some believe he may have been serving a sentence for sexual offenses, raising concerns about public safety.

A search has now been launched for this prisoner, and police have stated that they will find him very soon.

Second Major Release Error In Days

When this incident reached the media, it was revealed that a few days ago, due to the mistake of a similar officer, another convict was also released without completing his punishment.

In this incident, Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford, further fueling concerns about systemic failures within the UK Prison Service. This is a matter of concern, given that London’s police system enjoys a strong reputation abroad. If a convict is released in this manner from a renowned prison in London, what reputation will remain for our country?

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Political Outrage and Government Scrutiny

Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said, “We are also deeply angered and appalled by this and have ordered the authorities to do everything in their power to find those responsible.” The Prime Minister added, “We will take strong action against the guilty officials and have demanded an explanation from them as to how this mistake occurred.”

Wider Trend of Rising Mistaken Releases

Government data shows that the number of prisoners wrongly released has risen significantly in London, with 262 cases of wrongful release recorded in the year to March 2025.

Ongoing Manhunt and Investigation

The Metropolitan Police say “urgent enquiries” are being made to “find and return” the prisoner to custody.

A full independent review  overseen by senior policing figures  has been ordered to determine how the release passed through multiple checks unchecked.

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Public safety remains a top priority, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward immediately.