Man Arrested Over Daniel Khalife Escape Probe
A 24-year-old man was arrested early on Wednesday, 17 January, at an East London address. Police detained him on suspicion of assisting an offender and took him into custody at a London police station.
He has since been bailed until late April. The man is confirmed not to be a member of staff at HMP Wandsworth.
Met’s Counter Terrorism Command Leads Investigation
The arrest is part of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command’s ongoing probe into the daring escape of 22-year-old Daniel Khalife from HMP Wandsworth in September 2023.
Khalife is set to stand trial at the Old Bailey in October 2024 after pleading not guilty to escaping custody.
Khalife Faces Multiple Serious Charges
- Escaping from lawful custody at HMP Wandsworth on 6 September 2023.
- Attempting to obtain information useful for terrorism on 2 August 2021 in Staffordshire.
- Placing an article intended to cause injury or property damage on or before 2 January 2023 in Staffordshire.
- Handling classified information potentially useful to an enemy between May 2019 and January 2022.
Police Call for Calm and Caution
“This arrest follows months of careful investigation into the alleged escape and enquiries remain ongoing,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.
“We understand there will be significant public and media interest but ask that people refrain from sharing information that could prejudice the upcoming trial.”
The Met urges anyone with information to report crime via 101 or 999 in emergencies. Suspicious activity linked to terrorism can be confidentially reported at gov.uk/ACT or via the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321.
