Overview
- Thames Valley Police say 27-year-old Mahad Elmi left the Category D open prison near Grendon Underwood overnight between Christmas Day and Boxing Day and is unlawfully at large.
- Officers describe Elmi as a black man about 5ft 8in tall with a medium build, medium-length black hair, a beard and brown eyes, noting links to south-west London.
- The public have been told not to approach him, to call 999 if he is seen, and to provide information via 101 or online quoting the police reference number 43250653119.
- HMP Springhill is a men’s resettlement prison with minimal physical security that allows eligible inmates day release for work or education and holds roughly 330 to 335 prisoners.
- Reports note it is unclear what offence led to Elmi’s imprisonment, as the search continues alongside wider scrutiny of open-prison procedures after recent release and escape controversies.