Police have launched a manhunt for a prisoner who fled an open jail in Buckinghamshire on Christmas Day. Mahad Elmi, aged 27, is now unlawfully at large after leaving HMP Springhill and failing to return.
Details of the Christmas Day Escape
Thames Valley Police confirmed that Elmi absconded from the Category D prison near Grendon Underwood overnight on Thursday, 25 December, into Boxing Day. The force has issued a public appeal for information to help trace the fugitive.
HMP Springhill houses over 300 inmates and is classified as a low-security facility. The Prison Service states that Category D prisons have "minimal security" and allow eligible prisoners to spend most of their day outside the jail on licence for work, education, or resettlement purposes.
Public Warning and Description
Detective Sergeant Matthew French, of Buckinghamshire's Priority Crime Team, urged the public to assist. "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 provided a detailed description of Elmi:
- He is a black man, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall.
- He has a medium build, medium-length black hair, a beard, and brown eyes.
The force has emphasised that Elmi has known links to south-west London. Authorities have warned anyone who sees him not to approach but to call 999 immediately. Information on his whereabouts can be reported to police by calling 101 or online, quoting reference number 43250653119.
Ongoing Search and Prison Security
The escape from the open prison raises questions about the monitoring of inmates during the festive period. The incident is now a priority for Thames Valley Police, who are leading the search to recapture Elmi.
The public is advised to remain vigilant and report any sightings directly to the authorities as the investigation continues.
