British terror police have resumed embarkation checks at airports across the United Kingdom after a suspect awaiting trial in on terrorism charges and offences against the Official Secrets Act managed to escape from a secure prison in South West London.
The Metropolitan Police Service has issued an urgent appeal for information about the whereabouts of 21-year-old Daniel Abed Khalife, who escaped from Wandsworth Prison at approximately 7:50 am on Wednesday morning.
Khalife was being held in remand at HMP Wandsworth for a string of terrorism and Official Secrets Act offences and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel toe cap boots.
He is described as being 6ft 2 in tall and of a slim build, with short brown hair.
The Metropolitan Police said they believe Khalife is still likely to be in the London area but he may have travelled further afield.
In a rare move, counter terror police resumed embarkation controls at all UK airports on Wednesday as authorities stepped up their attempts to locate Khalife.
Because passengers travelling from UK airports don’t normally need to show their passports as they leave the country, several airports, including Heathrow, have warned of the potential for delays after passengers have cleared security.
The public have been advised not to approach Khalife but to call 999 immediately with any information about his whereabouts.
“We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent enquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible,” commented Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
“However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 or the immediately.”
Commander Murphy said they have no information to believe that Khalife currently poses a threat to the public.
