London's Metropolitan Police have launched an urgent city-wide manhunt after a prisoner was mistakenly released from custody while awaiting sentencing for serious crimes.
The force is urgently searching for Mohammed Arage, 30, who was being held at HMP Wandsworth ahead of sentencing for grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon. He was wrongfully freed on Tuesday, 4th November, due to what authorities are calling a "significant administrative error."
Who Is the Wanted Man?
Mohammed Arage had previously pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon. He was scheduled to be sentenced at Inner London Crown Court when the catastrophic error occurred.
Police describe Arage as approximately 5ft 9ins tall with short black hair. He was last seen wearing a grey tracksuit, though authorities warn he may have changed clothing since his release.
Public Warning Issued
The Metropolitan Police have issued a stark warning to London residents. A spokesperson stated: "The public are advised not to approach Arage if they see him and instead call 999 immediately, quoting reference 01/2473655/25."
Detective Chief Inspector James Templeton emphasised the urgency of the situation: "We are treating this with the utmost seriousness and are pursuing multiple lines of enquiry to locate Arage as quickly as possible."
Prison Service Under Scrutiny
This incident raises serious questions about security protocols within London's prison system. A spokesperson for HM Prison and Probation Service confirmed they are working closely with police to recapture Arage while launching an internal investigation into how such a critical error could occur.
The mistaken release from HMP Wandsworth comes amid ongoing concerns about staffing levels and procedural compliance within the UK's prison estate.
Anyone with information about Arage's whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately as the search intensifies across the capital.
