Manhunt after jailed Epping hotel asylum seeker mistakenly released

Police have launched a manhunt after an asylum seeker who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl was mistakenly released from prison.

Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, who arrived in the UK on a small boat, was jailed for 12 months over the Epping, Essex, attack last month.

Justice Secretary David Lammy is reported to be furious over the error.

Prison sources said Kebatu was meant to be sent to an immigration detention centre ahead of a planned deportation.

On 7 and 8 July, Kebatu sexually assaulted the teenager as well as a woman, with the attacks sparking nationwide protests.

The 38-year-old had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping before his arrest.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "We are urgently working with police to return an offender to custody following a release in error at HMP Chelmsford.

"Public protection is our top priority and we have launched an investigation into this incident."

A Prison Service officer has been removed from discharging duties while the investigation is ongoing.