Manhunt after jailed Epping hotel asylum seeker mistakenly released

Police have launched a manhunt after an asylum seeker who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl was mistakenly released from prison.

Ethiopian national Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, who arrived in the UK on a small boat, was jailed for 12 months over the Epping attack last month.

Justice Secretary David Lammy is reported to be furious over the error.

Prison sources said Kebatu was meant to be sent to an immigration detention centre after serving time in prison but was mistakenly freed.

On 7 and 8 July, Kebatu sexually assaulted the teenager as well as a woman, with the attacks sparking nationwide protests.

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