A major security alert has been triggered at one of Britain's most notorious prisons after a suspected murderer managed to escape from HMP Wandsworth, sparking a massive police manhunt across the capital.
The Mirror can exclusively reveal the first photograph of the fugitive inmate who vanished from the Category B facility on Wednesday morning. The escape has raised serious questions about security procedures at the south London prison.
Nationwide Hunt for Dangerous Fugitive
Police forces across the country have been placed on high alert as the search intensifies for the escaped prisoner, who was being held on suspicion of murder. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they are leading the investigation into the dramatic breakout.
HMP Wandsworth, which houses nearly 1,600 inmates, has faced repeated criticism over security breaches and overcrowding in recent years. This latest incident represents one of the most significant security failures in the UK prison system in recent memory.
Security Review Underway
Prison authorities have launched an immediate internal investigation to determine how the suspect managed to evade security measures. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice confirmed that urgent reviews of security protocols are being conducted at the facility.
"We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police to recapture the prisoner," the spokesperson stated. "We have zero tolerance for breaches of security and are taking this incident extremely seriously."
The escape comes amid growing concerns about staffing levels and security standards within the UK's prison estate. Wandsworth Prison, which opened in 1851, has been at the centre of multiple security scandals throughout its long history.
Public Warning Issued
Members of the public have been warned not to approach the escaped inmate if spotted, but to immediately contact police. The Metropolitan Police have established a dedicated hotline for any information relating to the manhunt.
As the search enters its critical phase, authorities are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry and following several promising leads in their efforts to locate the fugitive.
