An asylum-seeker sentenced to 12 months in a British prison for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl was mistakenly released on Friday, prompting an urgent police search for a man whose case had prompted anti-migrant protests.

Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, the catalyst behind a wave of angry protests against migrants across the UK during the summer, was freed by mistake at the prison in Chelmsford ahead of his deportation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he was “appalled” at the “totally unacceptable” release of the 38-year-old sex offender.

“The police are working urgently to track him down and my government is supporting them," Starmer said.

“This man must be caught and deported for his crimes.”

Details of how Kebatu ended up being released remained sketc

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