“Over 150 investigators deployed as concerns grow over Wandsworth prison’s security failures”

Daniel Khalife, the escaped prisoner from HMP Wandsworth in London, remains at large with no confirmed sightings since his escape on Wednesday, according to Commander Dominic Murphy of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command. Despite receiving over 50 tips from the public, none of them have provided solid leads on Khalife’s whereabouts.

Khalife, a former soldier accused of collecting information for Iran, managed to escape by strapping himself underneath a van that left the prison. The van was later stopped by police, but there has been no concrete evidence of Khalife’s movements since then, which police find “a little unusual” given the busy area surrounding Wandsworth. Murphy suggested that Khalife’s military training and escape skills may explain the lack of direct sightings.

The search for Khalife involves more than 150 investigators from the Metropolitan Police, supported by forces and agencies across the country. Authorities are keen to use all available resources to track him down, with an emphasis on counter-terrorism measures due to the nature of his charges.

In the wake of the escape, Wandsworth prison has faced heavy criticism. Charlie Taylor, chief inspector of prisons, called for the facility to be shut down, citing its inadequate security. Wandsworth’s performance was rated as a “serious concern” in recent watchdog assessments, and the prison has received several warnings over the past year.

In addition, police clarified that a viral video showing a man allegedly resembling Khalife being arrested in Banbury was not him. Authorities are also investigating the circumstances that allowed a high-profile prisoner like Khalife to be placed in a lower-security facility.