Suspected Terrorist Captured by Police After Escape
In a coordinated effort involving the Metropolitan Police, MI5, and MI6, authorities successfully apprehended former soldier Daniel Khalife following his escape from Wandsworth Prison. Khalife, a terror suspect, had managed to flee the prison, sparking a four-day manhunt.
Intercepted Messages Lead to Richmond House
Police managed to track Khalife’s movements to a house in Richmond, southwest London, using intercepted messages. Unfortunately, they missed him by mere minutes during their initial raid on the location.
Khalife Captured on Canal Towpath
However, just hours later, undercover police officers spotted Khalife on a bicycle along a canal towpath in Northolt. They swiftly apprehended him, bringing an end to the extensive manhunt.
Government’s Counter-Intelligence “Nerve Center”
The operation to locate Khalife was directed from the government’s new counter-intelligence hub, where counter-terrorism police worked alongside MI5, MI6, and GCHQ agents under one roof.
Guards Suspended at Wandsworth Prison
The escape raised questions about security, and it was reported that two guards at Wandsworth Prison were suspended. These guards were responsible for overseeing Khalife’s exit from the prison, concealed within a Bidfood catering van.
Khalife’s Capture Near Grand Union Canal
After the initial Richmond raid, Khalife’s whereabouts remained unknown until he was spotted in nearby Chiswick. Police obtained an eavesdropping warrant, leading to Khalife’s eventual capture on the Grand Union Canal towpath in Greenford.
Arrest on the Canal Towpath
Plain-clothes officers surrounded Khalife, who was on a stolen bicycle, and arrested him. During the arrest, he laughed and even winked at onlookers. The dramatic capture marked the conclusion of one of the largest police searches in recent years, involving 150 anti-terror officers.
Khalife’s Appearance and Arrest
At the time of his arrest, Khalife appeared as an ordinary cyclist, carrying a sleeping bag, a change of clothes, a bottle of water, and a Waitrose cool bag. It remains unclear how he acquired these items and if he received assistance.
Confident Reaction and Denial
Witnesses reported Khalife’s confident reaction during his arrest. He even attempted to claim innocence, stating, “It’s not me. I haven’t done anything.”
Police Commander’s Statement
Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism boss, Commander Dominic Murphy, praised the arrest and confirmed that Khalife had been cooperative during the capture. He was subsequently taken into custody on suspicion of being unlawfully at large and being an escaped prisoner.
Investigation Underway
An investigation is underway to determine how Khalife managed to break out of the Category B prison, especially considering he faced charges under the Official Secrets Act and for leaving a hoax bomb at his military base. It is believed that Khalife had attempted the escape approximately ten days earlier but had to abort the plan when the straps broke. He apparently reinforced the materials before successfully escaping on Wednesday.
Khalife’s current location was undisclosed, but he is likely to be transferred to a Category A prison such as Belmarsh in South East London.
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