A serious security failure at one of London's most notorious prisons has triggered an urgent police manhunt after a foreign national prisoner was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth.
The alarming incident occurred during what should have been a routine prisoner transfer operation, raising serious questions about security protocols within the UK's prison system.
System Failure in High-Security Prison
Sources indicate the error happened when prison staff incorrectly processed the inmate's release paperwork, despite the individual being subject to immigration controls and deportation procedures. The prisoner, whose identity remains confidential for operational reasons, walked free in a catastrophic administrative failure.
HMP Wandsworth, a Category B men's prison in southwest London, has long faced criticism over overcrowding and staffing issues. This incident represents one of the most significant security breaches in recent memory at the facility.
Urgent Manhunt Underway
The Metropolitan Police have launched an intensive search operation across London and potentially beyond. Authorities are working closely with immigration enforcement teams to locate the individual, who is considered to be at large in the community.
A police spokesperson confirmed: "We are pursuing all available lines of enquiry to locate this individual as quickly as possible. The public can be assured we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness."
Government Under Pressure
The blunder has sparked immediate political fallout, with opposition parties demanding answers from the Justice Secretary. Shadow Justice Minister David Smith called the incident "a catastrophic failure of basic security procedures" that puts public safety at risk.
The Ministry of Justice has launched an internal investigation into how such a fundamental error could occur. A spokesperson stated: "We are working urgently with the police to recapture the individual and have initiated a full investigation into this serious incident."
History of Concerns
This isn't the first time HMP Wandsworth has faced scrutiny. The prison, which dates back to 1851, has repeatedly been flagged in inspection reports for security concerns and operational challenges.
Prison reform advocates have pointed to chronic understaffing and poor administrative systems as contributing factors to such dangerous errors. The incident has reignited debates about prison funding and reform within the UK justice system.
The public has been advised not to approach the individual but to contact police immediately with any relevant information.
