UPDATE: UK police have successfully arrested Hadush Kebatu, a migrant sex offender, following a nearly three-day manhunt. Kebatu, who was mistakenly released from prison, was apprehended in North London on Sunday after public tips led officers to his location in Finsbury Park.
Kebatu, a 38-year-old Ethiopian, was serving a 12-month sentence for sexual assaults against a teenage girl and a woman. He was released by error on Friday, September 15, when he was supposed to be transferred to an immigration detention center for deportation. The news sparked outrage and led to weeks of protests outside the hotel where he had been living in Essex, as tensions over immigration rose across the UK.
Commander James Conway of the Metropolitan Police, who oversaw the operation, praised the swift work of his team. “This has been a diligent and fast-paced investigation led by specialist officers,” he stated. “Information from the public led officers to Finsbury Park, where they located Mr. Kebatu.”
Shortly after the arrest, UK Secretary of State for Justice David Lammy confirmed on social media that Kebatu is now in police custody and will be deported. “Kebatu has been arrested, is now in custody and will be deported,” Lammy posted on X. He has also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kebatu’s release, emphasizing the need to enhance release checks to prevent future mistakes.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of ensuring such an incident does not occur again. “We must make sure this doesn’t happen again,” he remarked.
The community response to Kebatu’s earlier release has been significant, with ongoing protests highlighting broader concerns regarding immigration policies in the UK. As authorities move forward with the deportation process, all eyes remain on the investigation into how this serious error occurred.
Next Steps: The Metropolitan Police are expected to provide further updates as the investigation unfolds, while Kebatu’s deportation timeline remains uncertain. Public sentiment is likely to continue influencing discussions on immigration policies in the UK.
