A manhunt is currently in progress for Brahim Kaddour Cherif, a 24-year-old prisoner who was mistakenly released from HMP Wandsworth last Wednesday. The Metropolitan Police were notified of his release shortly after 1pm on Thursday and have since mobilised officers to locate him.

Cherif, a registered sex offender, was convicted in November 2024 for indecent exposure related to an incident that occurred in March of the same year. He received an 18-month community order and was placed on the sex offenders’ register for five years.

The police have identified Cherif as an Algerian national with known connections to Tower Hamlets. He is also reported to frequent the Westminster area. Commander Paul Trevers, who is overseeing the investigation, stated, "It is just over 24 hours since we were informed of Cherif’s release. We launched an immediate manhunt and urgent enquiries have been ongoing since. Cherif has had a six-day head start but we are working urgently to close the gap and establish his whereabouts."

The police have released an image of Cherif along with body-worn video footage from an arrest made in September this year to aid in the search. Commander Trevers emphasised the importance of public assistance, saying, "We will continue to use all the means at our disposal but we are also appealing for the public's help to find him. We have seen in the very recent past how important alert members of the public reporting sightings can be."

Authorities are advising anyone who sees Cherif not to approach him but to call 999 immediately. Those with information regarding his movements are encouraged to contact the police on 101.