Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping, was jailed for 12 months in September for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.
Kebatu was freed by mistake at HMP Chelmsford on yesterday morning (October 24) instead of being sent to an immigration detention centre.
Justice Secretary David Lammy said on Friday night that Kebatu was “at large in London” after he was seen boarding a train at Chelmsford in Essex.
The Met Police, which has taken over the manhunt, has confirmed Kebatu disembarked the London-bound train at Stratford.
Commander James Conway, of the Metropolitan Police, said finding Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu is a “top priority” for the force.
“The manhunt is being led by an experienced senior investigating officer.
“He has teams from the Specialist Crime Command with expertise in tracking down wanted people at his disposal, as well as other resources from across the Met.
“We’ve confirmed that Kebatu got off the London-bound train at Stratford station.
“We are examining CCTV from that area and further afield, including on the transport network, to establish information about his subsequent movements.
“We will provide further updates when we can, but I hope the press and the public will understand why it would be unhelpful to the effectiveness of the manhunt if we were to provide a detailed running commentary.
“Anyone who sees Kebatu, or has information about his whereabouts, should call 999 immediately.”
Kebatu was wrongly categorised as a prisoner due to be released on licence and handed a £76 discharge grant, the Telegraph reported.
Sir Keir Starmer said the accidental release was “totally unacceptable”, adding: “I am appalled that it has happened and it’s being investigated.
“The police are working urgently to track him down, and my Government is supporting them.
“This man must be caught and deported for his crimes.”
Deputy Prime Minister Mr Lammy said he was “livid on behalf of the public” and added that he had launched an investigation.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said Kebatu’s release was “staggering incompetence” and called for a public inquiry.
