Accidental Releases at HMP Wandsworth Prompt Nationwide Manhunt

A startling lapse in custodial controls has prompted a wide-ranging manhunt across the United Kingdom after two men — one a convicted sex offender — were accidentally freed from HMP Wandsworth in south London. The episode has intensified scrutiny of prison procedures and oversight.

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

The second individual, 35-year-old William Smith, was mistakenly released on November 3, a day after receiving a 45-month sentence for multiple fraud offences.

Scotland Yard has confirmed that officers are carrying out urgent enquiries to find both men and return them to custody. Officials described the mistake as "utterly unacceptable" and said steps will be taken to prevent a recurrence.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was reportedly not informed of the releases until police statements were issued. His office said that "one mistaken release is one too many" and indicated that the government will press for a swift investigation into how the errors occurred.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy — who had pledged the "strongest release checks that have ever been in place" — expressed anger at the repeated failures. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said Lammy was not fully briefed at first but ordered an immediate probe once briefings were complete.

The errors follow a separate incident in which migrant sex offender Hadush Kebatu was accidentally released from HMP Chelmsford in Essex, stoking wider concerns about procedural weaknesses in the prison estate. Opposition figures have criticised ministers for what they say are unanswered questions about these releases, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch highlighting gaps in explanations.

As searches continue, authorities have urged members of the public to report any sightings of the missing men and say they have strengthened security measures to reduce the risk of similar mistakes.

The episode has reopened debates about the robustness of prison release protocols and the adequacy of oversight mechanisms within the justice system.

The Ministry of Justice has pledged full transparency once the inquiry concludes and reiterated that protecting the public remains its paramount concern.