Former UK soldier, Daniel Abed Khalife, escaped from Wandsworth prison in south London on Wednesday morning, sparking a major manhunt led by over 150 police officers. Khalife, who is awaiting trial on terrorism charges, is believed to have clung to the bottom of a delivery van to make his escape. The incident has raised questions about the security measures in place at the prison and the decision to hold Khalife in a lower-security facility.

The UK Justice Secretary, Alex Chalk, has announced an independent investigation into the escape and ordered urgent reviews of the categorization and placement of all prisoners held at Wandsworth and those in custody for terrorism offenses. Opposition politicians have criticized the government for the state of the judicial system and raised concerns about staffing levels and security checks at the prison. The search for Khalife continues, with the Metropolitan Police keeping an open mind as to his whereabouts. Enhanced security measures remain in place at UK ports and airports.