The police in London are searching for a 24-year-old Algerian migrant who was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth instead of being kept in custody. The release happened last week, but the Metropolitan Police was informed only several days later, which has raised serious questions about communication and oversight within the prison system. The man had been jailed for trespass with intent to steal and had a previous conviction for indecent exposure.
The incident has caused political tension, especially because it comes shortly after another migrant sex offender, Hadush Kebatu, was also wrongly released earlier this month from HMP Chelmsford. That mistake resulted in a 48-hour police search before Kebatu was recaptured and later deported to Ethiopia. The two cases together have increased public concern about prison management and checks on foreign offenders.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said he was outraged by the wrongful release and confirmed that officials are working urgently to return the man to custody. However, during Prime Minister’s Questions, he faced continued accusations from opposition lawmakers who questioned whether there had been other similar incidents. Critics said the government has failed to keep the public safe.
Police say they are now carrying out urgent inquiries to locate the Algerian man. They have not explained why it took six days for prison authorities to notify them. The delay has raised further concerns about internal systems and the tracking of individuals who are meant to be closely monitored due to past offences.
Opposition politicians, including Robert Jenrick and Chris Philp, say the situation reflects a wider failure in the criminal justice system. They argue that accidental prisoner releases have increased sharply and accuse the government of losing control. The number of wrongful releases reportedly doubled in the past year, with 266 cases recorded.
Meanwhile, some government officials tried to shift responsibility to previous administrations, describing the system they inherited as already dysfunctional. However, the public criticism continues, especially from people living near HMP Wandsworth, who say the prison has struggled for years with staffing shortages, overcrowding, and security lapses.
Residents in the area told reporters they feel less safe and believe the system is failing to protect the public. One resident described conditions inside the prison as “chaos,” while another said it was unacceptable that someone with a past sexual offence history could be released by mistake.
The Justice Secretary said an independent investigation led by Dame Lynne Owens will examine how the error happened and why such cases are becoming more frequent. The review is expected to recommend stronger safeguards to prevent repeat incidents, as pressure builds for greater accountability and transparency in how offenders are handled.