Police have launched a public appeal to locate a prisoner who is unlawfully at large after absconding from a Buckinghamshire jail and has known connections to South West London.
Appeal for information after prison abscond
Mahad Elmi, aged 27, disappeared from HMP Springhill, a men's open prison near Grendon Underwood, sometime overnight on Christmas Day or in the early hours of Boxing Day. Thames Valley Police confirmed he no longer has any authority to be in the community and is now considered unlawfully at large.
Detective Sergeant Matthew French, of the force's Priority Crime Team, stated: "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."
Description and public warning
Elmi is described as a black man, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, with a medium build. He has medium-length black hair, a beard, and brown eyes.
Authorities have issued a clear warning to the public. "If you see Elmi, do not approach him and call 999 instead," DS French emphasised. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call 101 or report online, quoting reference number 43250653119.
Nature of the prison and investigation
HMP Springhill is a Category D prison, which denotes minimal security. Such facilities allow eligible inmates to spend significant time outside the prison walls for work or educational purposes. The establishment has a capacity for around 335 prisoners.
The investigation is ongoing, with police focusing on areas with which Elmi is known to have links, including parts of South West London. The public's assistance is considered crucial to locating him safely.
