The Metropolitan Police are leading a manhunt for an asylum seeker.

An asylum seeker accidentally released from prison was last seen in the London area, police said, as officers urged anyone who spots him to call 999 immediately.

Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, was jailed for 12 months in September for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.

Kebatu was freed by mistake at HMP Chelmsford on Friday morning instead of being sent to an immigration detention centre.

He was wrongly categorised as a prisoner due to be released on licence and handed a £76 discharge grant, the Telegraph reported.

Responsibility for the manhunt has been handed over to the Metropolitan Police after it was confirmed that Kebatu was last seen g

See Full Page