UK Police Hunt Mistakenly Released Asylum-Seeker Whose Sexual Assault Case Sparked Anti-Migrant Protests

London, October 26, 2025 – UK police hunt mistakenly released asylum-seeker whose sexual assault case sparked anti-migrant protests. Authorities search for Hadush Kebatu. He faces charges for attacks on two victims.

Kebatu arrived in the UK by small boat. He lived at The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex. On July 7, he assaulted a 14-year-old girl. He tried to kiss her. He made explicit comments.

The next day, July 8, he attacked the girl again. He also assaulted a woman who helped with his CV. Police arrested him soon after.

In September, a court found him guilty. He got five charges. The judge sentenced him to 12 months in prison. He must follow a five-year prevention order. He signs the sex offenders’ list for 10 years.

Last Friday, staff at HMP Chelmsford let him go by mistake. They planned to send him to detention for deportation. Instead, he walked free. An officer now faces suspension.

At 12:41 p.m., Kebatu boarded a train from Chelmsford station. He headed to London. Essex Police got the alert at 12:57 p.m. They launched a manhunt right away.

Essex Police team up with Metropolitan Police and British Transport Police. They check CCTV footage. They search stations and streets. “We urge the public to stay alert,” said a police spokesperson.

Kebatu’s case drew big crowds last summer. Protesters gathered outside The Bell Hotel. They waved signs against migrants. Riots broke out in London and other cities. The events fueled debates on immigration.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke out. “Kebatu must be caught and deported for his crimes,” he said. Justice Secretary David Lammy called the assault “nasty.” He wants a full probe.

Liberal Democrat MP Marie Goldman lives nearby. “This puts my constituents in danger,” she said. She calls for a public inquiry.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch blamed the system. “It is collapsing under Labour,” she claimed. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage added, “Britain is broken.”

The Prison Service looks into the error. A report shows worry. From April 2024 to March 2025, 262 prisoners walked free by mistake. That’s double last year’s number.

Experts say prisons face staff shortages. Rules on early release add risks. Officials promise fixes. They aim to stop future slips.

UK police hunt mistakenly released asylum-seeker whose sexual assault case sparked anti-migrant protests. The search goes on day and night. Tips from the public help a lot. Call 101 with info. Do not approach Kebatu.

This case highlights bigger issues. Immigration controls stay tight. Deportations rise for failed claims. Yet errors like this shake trust.

As London buzzes, safety stays top. Families in Epping feel on edge. Police vow quick action. They work to bring Kebatu back.

The story unfolds fast. Updates come soon. Stay tuned for news.

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