A frantic manhunt roared through England on Saturday after an Ethiopian asylum seeker, mistakenly freed from prison, vanished.
When Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu walked out of HMP Chelmsford on October 23, 2025, nobody imagined the scramble that would follow. Kebatu, 41 by Sky News (ITV reported him as 38), had just finished a 12‑month sentence for two counts of sexual assault, an attempted assault, incitement, and harassment against a 14‑year‑old girl and an adult woman in Epping, Essex. The court had slated him for immediate transfer to an immigration detention centre, but a paperwork glitch let him walk free.
Background of the Conviction
The crimes that landed Kebatu behind bars unfolded in early October 2025. Neighbours described the incidents as “shocking” and “a betrayal of trust,” especially because they occurred while he was lodged at The Bell Hotel, a Home Office‑run asylum‑seeker accommodation in Epping. Court records show the 14‑year‑old victim suffered physical injuries and emotional trauma, prompting a community outcry that sparked weeks of protests outside the hotel.
During the trial, the magistrates noted Kebatu’s status as an asylum seeker did not shield him from prosecution. "Criminal conduct will be dealt with regardless of immigration status," the presiding judge said, underscoring a broader debate about how the UK balances public safety with its obligations to refugees.
Error That Led to the Release
According to a statement released by Essex Police at 11:35 am UTC on October 24, an administrative slip at the Ministry of Justice’s Prison Service caused Kebatu’s name to be crossed off the custody list. The error went unnoticed until prison officers realized the inmate was not in the transport queue for the immigration centre.
Inside the prison, staff admitted the mistake stemmed from a “mis‑entered detainee reference number” and a failure to cross‑check the deportation order. An internal audit, ordered later that day, will examine why the system didn’t trigger an automatic alert when a foreign national with a pending removal was due for release.
Police Response and Manhunt
By the early hours of October 24, officers from Essex Police were poring over hours of CCTV footage from Chelmsford station. The man‑tracking team identified Kebatu boarding a southbound train to London at 22:17 GMT. Within minutes, the Metropolitan Police Service was looped in, expanding the search to London’s rail network, underground stations, and nearby hostels.
Chief Superintendent Linda Hart of Essex Police told reporters, "Our inquiries are continuing at pace this morning to locate and arrest a man following a Prison Service releasing error yesterday. It is not lost on us that this situation is concerning to people, and we are committed to locating and arresting him as quickly as possible." The statement echoed across local radio, fueling a sense of urgency among commuters who suddenly found themselves part of a high‑profile pursuit.
By midday, police had placed an alert on Kebatu’s description—mid‑30s, medium build, wearing a dark hoodie and a navy backpack. Volunteers were asked to report any sightings, and social‑media platforms saw a surge of tip‑lines. Yet, despite the coordinated effort, Kebatu remained at large, prompting an escalation of resources.
Political and Community Reaction
The mishap ignited a firestorm in Westminster. An unnamed Liberal Democrat MP, representing a constituency bordering Epping, demanded an immediate public inquiry, stating, "The police must do everything they can to ensure that this man is returned to custody immediately so that he is deported at once. This is utterly unacceptable and has potentially put my constituents in danger."
Local residents, already uneasy after weeks of protests outside The Bell Hotel, organized a candle‑lit vigil outside the hotel’s lobby. “We feel betrayed,” said Marie Thompson, a mother of two from nearby Harlow. “First we had to rally against housing asylum seekers in our town, now we’re forced to worry about a convicted sexual predator walking free.”
Home Office officials, while refusing to name the minister overseeing asylum housing, promised “a thorough review of our safeguarding procedures” and assured the public that no other detainees were affected. The department’s spokesperson added that the Bell Hotel would remain operational while safety audits were conducted.
Implications for Asylum and Prison Policies
This incident shines a spotlight on two fragile junctions in the UK’s immigration‑justice system: the handover of foreign national offenders from prisons to immigration detention, and the placement of asylum seekers in hotels that often lack robust security measures.
Experts from the Migration Observatory noted that the UK currently houses roughly 2,500 asylum seekers in hotel‑type accommodations, a figure that has risen sharply since 2023. "When you combine temporary housing with individuals who have criminal convictions, the risk matrix changes dramatically," warned Dr. Eleanor Shaw, a criminology professor at King’s College London.
Legal scholars also argue that the “release error” may constitute a breach of the European Convention on Human Rights, specifically Article 3, which obliges states to protect individuals from inhuman or degrading treatment. If Kebatu were to re‑offend before recapture, the government could face legal challenges.
What Comes Next
Police officials say the manhunt will continue for as long as necessary. A joint task force between Essex Police and the Metropolitan Police Service will maintain a presence at major stations, and a dedicated hotline remains open for tips.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice has scheduled an emergency review of its release protocols, with findings expected by early December 2025. The Home Office is also commissioning an independent audit of hotel‑based asylum accommodations, focusing on security, staff training, and community liaison.
For residents of Epping and surrounding towns, the episode is a stark reminder that administrative oversights can have real‑world consequences. As the search unfolds, the public’s watchful eye remains fixed on the authorities, demanding both swift action and systemic reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this manhunt affect local residents in Epping?
Residents are dealing with heightened anxiety because a convicted sexual offender is believed to be moving through nearby transport hubs. Local councils have increased patrols and set up a tip‑line, but community members report feeling unsafe, especially after weeks of protests outside The Bell Hotel.
What led to Kebatu’s accidental release from prison?
A clerical error in the Prison Service’s database entered an incorrect detainee reference number, causing Kebatu’s name to be removed from the release list. The mistake went undetected until he was not present for his scheduled transfer to an immigration detention centre.
Which agencies are involved in the search?
The operation is a joint effort between Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police Service, and the Ministry of Justice’s Prison Service. They are coordinating CCTV reviews, transport checks, and public tip monitoring across Essex and London.
What are the political ramifications of this incident?
The case has sparked calls for a rapid public inquiry, with a Liberal Democrat MP demanding immediate recapture and a review of asylum‑seeker housing policies. Opposition parties are pressuring the Home Office and Ministry of Justice to tighten safeguards, while the government faces criticism for administrative lapses.
Will this incident change how asylum seekers are housed?
The Home Office has pledged an independent audit of hotel‑based asylum accommodations, focusing on security protocols. If the review finds systemic flaws, stricter vetting and alternative housing models may be introduced to prevent similar risks in the future.