A 21-year-old prisoner who escaped from lawful custody at a West London hospital has been rearrested in Thamesmead, South East London, following an intensive police manhunt. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest occurred on Wednesday, February 11, after the Prison Service alerted them to the escape the previous day.
Details of the Escape and Arrest
The incident began when the prisoner, who was under the care of prison staff, absconded from a hospital in West London. The exact reason for his hospital visit remains unclear, but authorities were notified shortly after 3:30 AM on Tuesday, February 10. Metropolitan Police officers launched extensive inquiries to locate the fugitive.
He was ultimately found hiding at a residential address in Thamesmead at approximately 12:40 PM on Wednesday. Police arrested him on suspicion of escaping from lawful custody. Additionally, he was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary related to a separate incident that occurred prior to his escape.
Additional Arrests Made
In connection with the case, four other individuals were taken into custody. Two women, aged 20 and 51, a 17-year-old girl, and a 30-year-old man were all arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated, "Following extensive enquiries by Met Police officers, the 21-year-old man was located at an address in Thamesmead and arrested on suspicion of escaping from lawful custody. He was also arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, which relates to a separate incident prior to him absconding."
The swift action by law enforcement highlights the coordinated efforts between the Prison Service and Metropolitan Police to address security breaches and ensure public safety in London. The case underscores ongoing challenges in managing prisoner movements outside of correctional facilities.
