Manhunt launched as criminal escapes from prison and public warned ‘do | UK | News
Police have launched a hunt to catch a criminal who escaped from prison in Buckinghamshire. Thames Valley Police warned members of the public not to approach Mahad Elmi, 27, who left HMP Springhill “overnight” between Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Elmi is now thought to be “illegally at large” and has no authority or legal permission to be in the community. He was described as a black man, approximately 6 feet tall, of medium build, with medium-length black hair, a beard, and brown eyes. Police said the suspect was known to have links to south-west London.
He was placed in a Category D men’s open placement prison in the village of Grendon Underwood in Buckinghamshire.
In resettlement prisons that focus on preparing inmates for release, inmates may be given day release to go to work or maintain family ties. Approximately 330 inmates live at Springhill, most of whom share the same cell.
Detective Sergeant Matthew French, of the Buckinghamshire Priority Crime Team, said: “We are appealing for the public’s help in tracing Mahad Elmi, who did not return to HMP Springhill and was unlawfully released after leaving.
“If you see Elmi, do not approach him and instead call 999. If you have any information on where Elmi may be, please call 101 or report online quoting reference number 43250653119.”
Police have also launched an urgent manhunt in connection with an open prison in Derbyshire. The public has been warned not to approach Ethan Black, who climbed fences and escaped from HMP Sudbury at around 8.15pm on Wednesday, December 17.
