Daniel Abed Khalife, a 21-year-old former soldier and terror suspect, has escaped from Wandsworth prison in London on September 6, 2023, at around 7:50 AM.
He was being held in prison while awaiting trial for terror offenses.
Khalife is accused of planting fake bombs at a military base.
The Metropolitan Police have launched an urgent manhunt to find him, further warning the public not to approach him and to call 999 immediately if they see him.
Khalife was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers, and brown steel toe cap boots.
He has been described as being of slim build, has short brown hair, and is around 6ft 2ins tall.
The escape of Khalife has raised concerns about the security of the prison system in the UK.
The ongoing manhunt for Daniel Khalife is still underway, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
We are urgently appealing to trace Daniel Khalife, who escaped from Wandsworth Prison this morning.
He has links to #Kingston – police efforts to trace him are ongoing. He should not be approached.
If you have info on his whereabouts, call 999 quoting CAD 1631/06SEP23 pic.twitter.com/Q7B9uKV9uJ
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) September 6, 2023
Who is Daniel Khalife?
Khalife is a 21-year-old former soldier who is currently awaiting trial for terror-related charges.
He was being held at HMP Wandsworth, a Category B prison in London, when he escaped on September 6.
Khalife is accused of planting fake bombs at a military base and violating Britain’s Official Secrets Act.
During the alleged bomb hoax, the fugitive is accused of leaving three canisters with wires at RAF Stafford.
Khalife had intentions of inducing in another a belief that the said item was likely to explode or ignite and cause injury or damage to property.
He has also been accused of violating Britain’s Official Secrets Act.
This law makes it illegal to disclose certain information that is considered to be sensitive to national security.
However, it is not clear what information Khalife is alleged to have disclosed.
Both offences are alleged to have taken place at RAF Stafford.
HMP Wandsworth prison
HM Prison Wandsworth is a Category B men’s prison located in Wandsworth, London, England.
It is one of the largest prisons in the UK and has been in operation since 1851.
The prison is managed by HM Prison Services and is currently governed by Katie Price.
However, Wandsworth Prison has been under scrutiny for its poor living conditions and allegations of staff corruption.
A BBC investigation in 2016 revealed large-scale drug abuse and cannabis openly being smoked, and harder drugs found within the prison.
There were also allegations of staff bringing drugs into the prison.
As a result, Wandsworth lost its status as a reform prison.
Glyn Travis of the Prison Officers Association said;
“Wandsworth staff had bought into the reform process and worked well with the governor to implement the reforms
“Now, the prison has lost its reform status and once again, staff and prisoners have been left high and dry as.”
In 2022, Wandsworth Prison was slammed by watchdogs for its poor living conditions.
Inspectors described the living conditions as “very poor,” with inmates being locked in their cells for up to 22 hours a day.
The prison has been criticized for its lack of rehabilitation programs and overcrowding.
ALSO READ: Inside HMP Wandsworth Prison: Routine, Capacity, Meal Schedule, Education Programs & More
