Inside manhunt for escaped suspected terrorist that's closed Britain's borders

06 September 2023 , 18:11

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Daniel Abed Khalife escaped HMP Wandsworth this morning, sparking a national manhunt (Image: Metropolitan Police)

A massive inter-agency manhunt for Daniel Abed Khalife will have been triggered immediately his escape was discovered.

All-points alerts from counter-terror officers within MI5 and the police will have been sent to sea ports, airports and land transport such as major bus and railway stations, including files and photographs. It is likely the counter-terror hub in west London will coordinate the hunt and officers will try to calculate where he will head to and who, if anyone, is helping him.

But without help from a network it will be difficult for Khalife to evade capture as he will need fresh clothes and support such as food and money. Without a phone it will be difficult for him to get help so police may be checking with shops near the scene of his escape for any thefts.

You can follow our live coverage of the Khalife's escape HERE.

Nevertheless, as a matter of protocol his immediate family or friends may be targeted for interceptions. Friends and family addresses will likely be a focus for surveillance or even doorstep interviews to see if he has made contact.

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His case is unusual as nobody is saying if he is suspected of involvement with a known network. If he is suspected of working alone he will be harder to find since he may not have shared his intentions with other prisoners or people outside.

Agents recruited from the terror and criminal underworld may be contacted by MI5 or counter terror police to be on alert for an escaped convict seeking their help. Another focus for officers may be other prisoners who met him to see if he discussed his plans with them.

Everything will have been done to cast a wide net and ensure he does not get abroad or go to ground - once the trap is set they may have to wait and just hope he gives himself up with no support. If someone is helping him it could be a long hunt.

This is at best extremely embarrassing for the authorities and they will pull out all stops to re-capture him, whilst possibly playing down the situation, as the hunt gets underway.

Chris Hughes