Commander James Conway says finding Kebatu, whose arrest sparked riots over the summer, is a ‘top priority’
The Metropolitan police has taken over a manhunt for convicted sex offender Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, as there is a “high level of confidence” that the asylum seeker is in the London area.
Kebatu, who was released in error from HMP Chelmsford on Friday, boarded a train for London and got off at Stratford station, the force said.
As a result, the manhunt was transferred from Essex police to the Met shortly after 11.30am on Saturday.
Sir Keir Starmer has called the accidental release “totally unacceptable”, adding:
