In a dramatic turn of events, Daniel Khalife, a former soldier facing terrorism-related charges, has been recaptured in Chiswick, West London, after successfully escaping from HMP Wandsworth.
After a series of sightings overnight, authorities located and apprehended Khalife just before 11 a.m. today. He is now in police custody, and further details regarding his arrest will be provided in due course, according to the police.
Khalife’s daring escape involved him slipping away from the prison grounds underneath a food truck. He was last seen in a chef’s uniform, and it is believed he clung onto the truck’s undercarriage to effect his escape.
The 21-year-old Khalife vanished from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday, prompting a nationwide manhunt. More than 150 counterterrorism officers were mobilized to locate him, leading to heightened security measures at UK ports and airports. The Port of Dover witnessed significant delays on Thursday as parts of the M20 were temporarily closed for added security checks.
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk announced on Thursday the launch of an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Khalife’s escape.
Khalife, a former member of the Royal Signals based at Beacon Barracks in Stafford, was on remand, awaiting trial on charges under the Terrorism Act. He was accused of leaving fake bombs at a military facility, as well as facing another charge under the Official Secrets Act for alleged actions prejudicial to the safety or interests of the state. In a video appearance at the Old Bailey in July, Khalife denied both charges.
The audacious escape and subsequent nationwide manhunt have raised significant questions about prison security, leading to increased scrutiny of procedures and protocols within the UK’s prison system. Khalife’s recapture, while relieving for authorities, leaves the broader questions of prison security and the circumstances of his escape to be addressed in the coming days and weeks.
