A major security alert has been declared across London after two prisoners were wrongly released from HMP Wandsworth in what officials are calling an "unprecedented administrative failure."
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that both men, who were being held on remand awaiting trial, walked free from the category B prison due to what appears to be a catastrophic paperwork error.
The Escaped Inmates
One of the mistakenly freed prisoners is Mohammed Ahmed, who had been charged with a serious wounding offence. The second man, whose identity hasn't been formally released, was facing charges of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
Both men were considered enough of a flight risk to be held in custody ahead of their court appearances, making their accidental release particularly alarming.
Cross-Country Manhunt Underway
Metropolitan Police have launched an urgent nationwide search operation, working closely with other forces across the UK. The hunt has extended to Derbyshire after one prisoner was believed to have travelled north following his release.
In a bizarre twist, one of the escaped inmates was subsequently recaptured at HMP Sudbury in Derbyshire, though details surrounding this development remain unclear. The other prisoner remains at large.
Serious Questions for Prison Service
This incident raises serious concerns about security protocols within the UK's prison system. HMP Wandsworth, which houses approximately 1,600 inmates, has faced criticism in recent years for overcrowding and staffing issues.
Prison reform advocates have described the mistaken releases as "every governor's worst nightmare" and are demanding an immediate investigation into how such a fundamental failure could occur.
The Ministry of Justice has launched an urgent inquiry, while the Metropolitan Police continue to pursue all leads to locate the remaining escaped prisoner. Members of the public are advised not to approach the individual but to contact authorities immediately with any information.
