Two UK Prisoners Including Sex Offender Freed by Mistake Police Hunt

A serious security lapse has triggered a nationwide manhunt in the United Kingdom after two prisoners, including a convicted sex offender, were mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth in south London. The incident has raised urgent questions about prison management and oversight.

The first prisoner, 24-year-old Algerian national Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, was released in error on October 29. Kaddour-Cherif was serving a sentence for trespass with intent to steal and had a prior conviction for indecent exposure in November 2024.

The second prisoner, 35-year-old William Smith, was mistakenly freed on November 3, a day after being sentenced to 45 months for multiple fraud offences.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers are actively conducting urgent enquiries to locate both men and return them to custody. Authorities described the error as “utterly unacceptable” and pledged swift action to prevent such incidents in the future.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was reportedly unaware of the releases until police announcements were made. His office emphasized that “one mistaken release is one too many” and assured that the government will urgently investigate the circumstances behind the incident.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy, who had previously vowed to implement the “strongest release checks that have ever been in place,” expressed outrage over the repeated lapse. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Justice explained that Lammy had not been fully briefed on the details initially but ordered an immediate probe following the revelations.

The blunders come just days after migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu was accidentally released from HMP Chelmsford in Essex, highlighting growing concerns about errors in the UK prison system. Opposition leaders criticized the government, with Tory leader Kemi Badenoch noting that repeated questioning on prisoner releases had gone unanswered.

As the search continues, authorities are urging the public to report any sightings of the missing individuals and have reinforced security measures to ensure such errors do not recur. The incident has reignited debates over prison protocols and the efficiency of oversight mechanisms within the justice system.

The Ministry of Justice has promised full transparency once the investigation is concluded and emphasized its commitment to public safety as a top priority.