Police have launched an urgent nationwide search for a prisoner who walked out of an open jail on Christmas Day and failed to return.
Details of the Escape
Mahad Elmi, aged 27, is now unlawfully at large after leaving HMP Springhill in Buckinghamshire. Thames Valley Police confirmed he absconded from the prison, located near the village of Grendon Underwood, overnight on Thursday, which carried into Boxing Day.
The force has issued a detailed description of Elmi in a bid to locate him. He is described as a black man, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a medium build. He has medium-length black hair, a beard and brown eyes. Police have also stated that he has known links to the south-west London area.
Security Concerns and Political Fallout
This latest incident places further scrutiny on the prison system and Justice Secretary David Lammy, who is already facing intense pressure. The escape follows a series of high-profile blunders involving the mistaken release of inmates.
Just last month, 24-year-old Algerian prisoner Brahim Kaddour-Cherif was accidentally freed from the scandal-plagued HMP Wandsworth in London. Furthermore, Sir Keir Starmer's government is still dealing with the political fallout from the erroneous release of migrant sex attacker Hadush Kebatu from HMP Chelmsford.
HMP Springhill, where Elmi was held, is a Category D establishment. The Prison Service states that such prisons have 'minimal security' and allow eligible inmates to spend most of their day outside the facility on licence for work, education, or resettlement purposes. The site houses more than 300 prisoners.
Appeal to the Public
Detective Sergeant Matthew French, of the Buckinghamshire Priority Crime Team, is leading the appeal for information. 'We are appealing for the help of the public to trace Mahad Elmi, who is unlawfully at large after leaving and not returning to HMP Springhill,' he said.
The police have issued a clear warning to the public: If you see Elmi, do not approach him. Instead, call 999 immediately.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or via their online reporting system, quoting reference number 43250653119.
