Hadush Kebatu was released in error from HMP Chelmsford yesterday morning

(Credit – Met Police)

The Metropolitan Police has taken over the search for a prisoner who was released by mistake yesterday.

Hadush Kebatu, whose arrest sparked protests outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, was sentenced to 12 months in prison in September after being found guilty of five charges, which included sexually assaulting a teenage girl and a woman.

He was meant to be sent to a detention centre ahead of being deported but was released by from Chelmsford prison by mistake yesterday.

Having been released, Kebatu boarded a train from Chelmsford to London 12.41 pm yesterday and is believed to have left the train at Stratford.

Responsibility for finding Kebatu was transferred from Essex Police to the Met this morning.

Commander James Conway said: “Finding Hadush Kebatu is a top priority.

“The manhunt is being led by an experienced Senior Investigating Officer. He has teams from the Specialist Crime Command with expertise in tracking down wanted people at his disposal, as well as other resources from across the Met.

“We’ve confirmed that Kebatu got off the London-bound train at Stratford station.

“We are examining CCTV from that area and further afield, including on the transport network, to establish information about his subsequent movements.

“We will provide further updates when we can, but I hope the press and the public will understand why it would be unhelpful to the effectiveness of the manhunt if we were to provide a detailed running commentary.

“Anyone who sees Kebatu, or has information about his whereabouts, should call 999 immediately.”

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