We continue to appeal for the public to help us locate Daniel Abed Khalife, who escaped from Wandsworth prison yesterday.
There is a significant operation under way led by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command, involving more than 150 officers and staff.
They are working closely with colleagues in police services across the country, the Ministry of Justice and a wide range of Government agencies and other partners.
Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the investigation, asked for anyone with information about Khalife that may help us to get in touch urgently.
He said: “Since yesterday, over 150 officers and staff have been working around the clock on apprehending Khalife.
“We have issued a nationwide alert that has resulted in increased security at our ports and borders, however currently there have not been any confirmed sightings.
“I recognise and am fully aware of the impact these measures are having on the public. We are working to ensure as minimal disruption as possible.
“It is crucial for the public to help us with this search and to call us immediately if they have any information on the whereabouts of Khalife.”
Khalife was declared missing at 07:50hrs on 6 September. The Met was notified at 08:15hrs and took immediate action to track down a delivery van that had left the prison.
At 08:37, police officers stopped the van in Upper Richmond Road, near the junction with Carlton Drive. Officers spoke to the driver and carried out a thorough search. Police discovered strapping on the underside of the van.
Currently, we believe Khalife was hiding underneath the van and used this strapping as part of his escape.
Officers have traced the route of the van after it left Wandsworth Prison and are appealing to anyone who might have seen the van on this route to get in touch.
The van left HMP Wandsworth at 07:32 taking a right turn out of gates onto Heathfield Road. It then turned left onto Magdalen Road. The van then turned left onto Trinity Road (A214) up to the Wandsworth Roundabout. It took the first exit onto Swandon Way (A217).
It then turned left onto Old York Road (past Wandsworth Town station) then left onto Fairfield Street , right onto Wandsworth High Street (A3) staying straight ahead onto West Hill and then on to Upper Richmond Road (A205).
The Met has continued to focus its efforts in the London area, particularly around this route, as well as the Kingston area, where Khalife is known to have connections.
Khalife’s previous military experience may mean he is more aware of efforts to apprehend him.
While he is not assessed to pose a threat to the wider public we advise anyone who seems him not to approach him and instead call 999 immediately.
