The Guardian

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu manhunt live: Met police take over search for sex offender after London sighting


Commander James Conway says finding Kebatu, whose arrest sparked riots over the summer, is a ‘top priority’

Councillor Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council has responded to the extraordinary news after the mistaken release of Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu.

Councillor Whitbread said in a statement:

I am shocked and appalled by the mistaken release of Hadush Kebatu. Frankly, I am at a loss to understand how such a grave error could occur.

My thoughts are with the victim and her family at this deeply distressing time. They have shown immense courage, and they deserve our full support and protection.

This is a serious failure of the justice system, and people will rightly be outraged. It is completely unacceptable. The public has a right to expect that those convicted of serious crimes remain securely in custody. Public safety must never be compromised.

I sincerely hope Kebatu is located and returned to prison without delay. There must also be a full and transparent investigation into how this happened, and what safeguards will be put in place to ensure it never happens again.”

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Source link : https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2025/oct/25/hadush-gerberslasie-kebatu-manhunt-met-police-sex-offender-london-latest-news

Author : Sarah Haque

Publish date : 2025-10-25 12:41:00

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