Police have launched a major manhunt after a prisoner escaped from a custody van in south-east London. Temitope Segun, aged 25, was being transported from Bromley Magistrates Court to HMP Thameside when he allegedly attacked a guard and fled.
Segun, who is serving a sentence for supplying class A drugs, was last seen in the Woolwich High Street area at around 6:40pm on Monday, June 8. Authorities believe he retains connections to South East London locations including Plumstead, Abbey Wood, and Woolwich.
He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black trousers, and black trainers. Police have warned members of the public not to approach him if spotted, but to call 999 immediately, quoting reference 2270/10JUN. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 using the same reference.
Police Statement
Detective Sergeant Claudine Manning, leading the operation, said: "My team of dedicated officers are working around the clock to trace and apprehend Temitope Segun. It is imperative that the public contact police via 999 if they see him – or know where he may be."
Similar Case of Accidental Release
The incident follows another case where a rapist absconded from justice after being accidentally released from prison. Bernadin Dedic, 48, had been held on remand for multiple rape and sexual assault charges but was erroneously freed from HMP Wormwood Scrubs in February after a court official mistakenly informed the prison he had been granted bail.
Dedic, a businessman from Ealing, West London, had attacked a woman at knifepoint, threatening to kill her before committing a series of rapes and sexual assaults over several hours. After his release, he fled the UK via Eurostar to his native Bosnia. Despite claiming a heart attack and a skiing accident as reasons not to return, a jury at Isleworth Crown Court found him guilty on all nine charges in his absence on Tuesday.
