News · 24 October 2025

Major Police Manhunt Launched After Ethiopian Asylum Seeker Accidentally Released From Prison

Police are searching for Ethiopian asylum seeker Hadush Kebatu, who was mistakenly freed from HMP Chelmsford instead of being transferred to an immigration detention centre. Kebatu, in his early 40s, was serving a 12-month sentence for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping — offences that triggered protests outside a local asylum hotel. Justice Secretary David Lammy has ordered an urgent investigation, and a prison officer has been suspended pending inquiry.

By BriefTea Editorial · 24 October 2025 at 18:13

Reported by ITV · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

Who are 'asylum seekers'? Where do asylum seekers go? What is a police manhunt?

More briefs

TechnologyWebsites worldwide go offline after two serious flaws found in PHP TechnologyNew Mexico judge orders Meta to pay $25 billion over data privacy BusinessNetflix shares drop nearly 5% as its advertising income grows slower than hoped SportsFormer NFL player Allen Bailey has been found dead at age 37 Transport£100 ticket and 3 points for vaping while driving WorldMacron accuses Trump of making stupid comments about the recent French riots Browse all stories →