Daniel Khalife, a terrorism suspect who fled from a London-area prison in what authorities believe was a clearly pre-planned operation, is a priority for the Metropolitan Police of London.
As new details about the audacious escape emerge, concerns about inside assistance and prison conditions arise.
Hunt Intensifies for Terrorism Suspect Daniel Khalife
Met Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley expressed concern over the planned escape, stating, "The fact that he was able to strap himself to the bottom of the wagon indicates that it was pre-planned."
Rowley emphasized that such an escape is unlikely to be spontaneous and raised concerns regarding the possibility of assistance from within the prison or external accomplices.
Rowley inquired, "Did anyone inside the penitentiary assist him? Other detainees, security personnel? Did individuals outside the walls assist him, or did he create everything independently?"
Daniel Khalife, age 21, was accused of obtaining information that could be directly or indirectly useful to an enemy and making a bomb hoax by placing canisters with wires on a desk. He was discharged from the army in May after facing severe charges.
He had been detained pending trial, with a November trial date scheduled. Khalife's escape from His Majesty's Prison Wandsworth at approximately 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday has prompted suspicions of potential inside assistance.
Authorities believe that Khalife's position in the prison kitchen gave him access to a food delivery van, which he strapped himself to to flee the facility. Initial reports did not specify to whom Khalife may have passed information, but recent BBC reports suggest he may have sought information on behalf of Iran.
The discovery of straps to secure Khalife to the van prompted initial suspicions of possible involvement from within, as per Fox News. As more information has come to light, these suspicions have developed, including a notice sent to National Health Service facilities advising them to be vigilant for anyone presenting with burns.
This notice indicates that Khalife may have suffered severe injuries during his escape, most likely from coming into contact with the van's exhaust system. The ongoing search for Khalife has centered on Richmond Park in southwest London, with officers undertaking exhaustive searches throughout the area.
Concerns About Wandsworth Prison
Despite reducing some efforts, the park has remained a priority for authorities. However, officials emphasize that this concentration is based on something other than specific leads or intelligence.
According to CNN, the incident has prompted Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor to express concern for Wandsworth prison, suggesting that it really needs closing. Before Khalife's escape, the institution had already been deemed a serious concern by a watchdog group.
Taylor emphasized the need for more suitable prison facilities and acknowledged the current crisis in the prison system, where there are barely enough available spaces to accommodate the increasing population of inmates, as per The Independent.
The escape of Daniel Khalife has not only raised significant security concerns but also brought to light the problems within the prison system, sparking conversations about the need for prison reform and more suitable detention facilities.
