Daniel Khalife: Richmond Park searched as prison escape terror suspect on the loose

Police say there have been no confirmed sightings of a fugitive who escaped from Wandsworth Prison despite receiving more than 50 calls from the public.

Daniel Abed Khalife, 21, of Beaconside, Stafford, was reported to police after escaping from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday morning (September 6).

Khalife, a serving member of the British Army, was charged on January 27 with a number of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 and the Official Secrets Act. He is accused of planting fake bombs.

A manhunt led by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command, involving more than 150 officers and staff is currently under way. On Thursday night a search began in Richmond Park.

Police have released an image of the Bidfood vehicle searched during the investigation.

In a media briefing at Scotland Yard on Thursday afternoon, Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said more than 50 calls have been received from members of the public but there have been no "confirmed sightings" of Khalife.

Commander Murphy described him as a "very resourceful individual" and said his escape "clearly" took some planning.

“Since yesterday, over 150 officers and staff have been working around the clock on apprehending Khalife,” he said.

"We have issued a nationwide alert that has resulted in increased security at our ports and borders, however currently there have not been any confirmed sightings.

“I recognise and am fully aware of the impact these measures are having on the public. We are working to ensure as minimal disruption as possible.

“It is crucial for the public to help us with this search and to call us immediately if they have any information on the whereabouts of Khalife.”

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has said the force is exploring the possibility that Khalife was helped by guards inside the prison to escape.

He told LBC on Friday morning, Khalife's flight was "clearly pre-planned" and is "extremely concerning".

Rowley added a prison escape is "unlikely to be something you do on the spur of the moment".

Journey outline

Khalife was declared missing at 7.50am on September 6. The Met was notified at 8.15am and took immediate action to track down a delivery van that had left the prison.

At 8.37am, police officers stopped the van in Upper Richmond Road, near the junction with Carlton Drive. Officers spoke to the driver and carried out a thorough search . Police discovered strapping on the underside of the van.

Officers have traced the route of the van after it left Wandsworth Prison and are appealing to anyone who might have seen the van on this route to get in touch.

The van left HMP Wandsworth at 7.32am taking a right turn out of gates onto Heathfield Road.

It then turned left onto Magdalen Road. The van then turned left onto Trinity Road (A214) up to the Wandsworth Roundabout. It took the first exit onto Swandon Way (A217).

It then turned left onto Old York Road (past Wandsworth Town station) then left onto Fairfield Street , right onto Wandsworth High Street (A3) staying straight ahead onto West Hill and then on to Upper Richmond Road (A205).

Scotland Yard says it is continuing to focus its efforts in the London area, particularly around this route, as well as the Kingston area, where Khalife is known to have connections.

Police say there is also a possibility he may have left the country and are keeping an open mind in their investigation.

His disappearance has prompted extra security checks at major UK airports and ports including Manchester, Gatwick, Heathrow and Dover.

While he is not assessed to pose a threat to the wider public police advise anyone who sees him not to approach him and instead call 999 immediately.