An Ethiopian asylum seeker was accidentally released from prison and was last seen in the London area, police said. Hadush Kebatu, 38, had been living at the Bell Hotel in Epping while serving a 12-month sentence imposed in September for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl. Officers urged anyone who spots him to call 999.

Essex Police handed the manhunt to the Metropolitan Police after Kebatu was seen disembarking a train at Stratford in east London at about 13:10 on Friday. A delivery driver described Kebatu returning to HMP Chelmsford in a confused state on several occasions before being turned away by prison staff. The Met said finding him is a top priority and is reviewing CCTV along the transport network to map his movements.

Kebatu was released by mistake after being misclassified as due for release on licence and was given a discharge grant of £76. The incident drew criticism from political figures and unions, with calls for a full investigation. Chelmsford Prison has faced pressures noted by the HM Inspectorate of Prisons, including staffing shortfalls and rising admissions, in a report published earlier this year.