A manhunt has been launched for an asylum seeker who was jailed for 12 months earlier this year after he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 41, had been staying at The Bell Hotel in the Essex town, with the incident fuelling weeks of protests at the site.

The Ethiopian national was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault , attempted sexual assault, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment without violence earlier this month.

It is understood he was released by accident.

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