A man accidentally released from jail after sexually assaulting a woman and a 14-year-old girl has been seen taking a train to London.

Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, was jailed for 12 months in September. But he was spotted boarding a London-bound train, Essex Police have said.

A manhunt has been launched in a bid to find the on-the-run prisoner. The Sun first reported on Friday that he was meant to be sent to an immigration detention centre to be deported but was freed by mistake. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said he is “appalled” by the error.

“We are urgently working with the police to track him down and I’ve ordered an urgent investigation,” he said. “Kebatu must be deported for his crimes, not on our streets.

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