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The search continues for an asylum seeker who was mistakenly released from custody where he was serving time for sexually assaulting a 14 year old girl.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, a 38 year old Ethiopian national who had been staying at the Bell Hotel in Epping, was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment in September.

Justice Secretary David Lammy confirmed on Friday night that Kebatu was "at large in London " after being spotted boarding a train at Chelmsford, with the Metropolitan Police aiding in the search for him.

The Sun initially reported on Friday that Kebatu was supposed to be transferred to an immigration detention centre for deportation but was erroneously set free.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described the accidental release as "totally unacceptable".

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