Migrant sex offender released from prison in error arrested after manhunt, say police

An Epping hotel migrant who sexually assaulted a woman and a 14-year-old girl was recaptured after mistakenly being released from prison.

Hadush Kebatu, who was mistakenly released from HMP Chelmsford, was arrested by Metropolitan Police officers in London’s Finsbury Park area at around 8.30am GMT on Sunday following a major manhunt.

Commander James Conway, who led the operation to find Kebatu, said: “This was a painstaking and fast-paced investigation carried out by specialist officers from the Metropolitan Police, supported by Essex Police and British Transport Police.

“Following information from the public, officers were directed to Finsbury Park and following a search Mr Kebatu was located. He was taken into police custody but will be handed over to the Prison Service.

“I am extremely grateful to the public for their support following our appeal which helped us locate Mr Kebatu.”

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