In a dramatic turn of events, the 21-year-old former soldier, Daniel Khalife, who escaped from HMP Wandsworth earlier this week, has been successfully captured by law enforcement authorities in west London. After four days of intensive searching, Khalife was arrested by a plainclothes officer along a canal towpath in Northolt at 10:41 BST on Saturday, putting an end to a nationwide manhunt.
Khalife, who was on remand at HMP Wandsworth awaiting trial for a series of terrorism-related offenses, including preparing acts of terrorism and disseminating terrorist publications, is alleged to have been part of a neo-Nazi group plotting attacks on mosques and synagogues. His escape from the prison raised numerous questions about prison security, as he reportedly swapped clothes with a visitor and walked out of the facility. In response to the escape, two prison officers have been suspended pending an investigation into security lapses.
Khalife’s arrest took place along a canal towpath in Northolt, west London, where a plainclothes officer intercepted him while he was cycling. Despite the gravity of the charges against him and the nationwide manhunt, police reported that Khalife was “winking and laughing” at the time of his arrest and did not put up any resistance. During the apprehension, authorities also recovered a mobile phone and a sum of cash from Khalife. He is currently being held at a south London police station.
The escape of a high-profile terrorism suspect like Daniel Khalife has raised significant concerns about prison security and the need for stricter protocols when handling individuals accused of serious offenses. Authorities are now focused on unraveling the details of Khalife’s escape and whether he had any accomplices.
The capture of Daniel Khalife after four days on the run provides a sigh of relief for law enforcement agencies and the public alike. However, it also shines a spotlight on the need for enhanced security measures within the prison system, particularly for individuals facing charges as serious as terrorism. As investigations continue, the case of Khalife’s escape will undoubtedly prompt a reevaluation of security procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Resources:
2.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-66763054
4.https://metro.co.uk/2023/09/07/daniel-abed-khalife-wandsworth-prison-escaped-who-19461701/