London, UK – The hunt for Daniel Abed Khalife, the alleged terrorist who escaped from Wandsworth prison, has shifted its focus to the Chiswick area in west London. As the search enters its fourth day, the Metropolitan police have confirmed sightings in the vicinity, with reports from vigilant members of the public overnight.
Khalife is currently believed to be dressed in a black baseball cap, a black T-shirt, and dark-colored trousers, carrying a small bag or case—a stark departure from the chef’s uniform, consisting of a white T-shirt and red-and-white gingham trousers, that he used as his disguise during the escape.
A police spokesperson stated, “Officers remain in the Chiswick area and are planning to carry out further intensive search activity there throughout the day.” They have urged anyone who believes they have seen Khalife to contact emergency services at 999.
This development follows an update from the Met, confirming Khalife’s sighting as he walked away from a food delivery lorry about a mile from the prison. A search was conducted in the expansive Richmond Park, but it yielded no results. Khalife, having grown up in southwest London, is believed to possess local knowledge, aiding him in evading capture.
Khalife was in remand, awaiting trial on charges of attempting to pass military secrets to Iran and planting counterfeit bombs at a military base. His escape involved securing himself beneath a Bidfood delivery van departing from the prison.
A close relative of Khalife appealed to him, urging him to surrender, acknowledging his fear while lamenting his changed demeanor over the past year. The relative attributed Khalife’s downfall to the British army and described him as a “very, very intelligent, easygoing, and kind boy.”
A former army colleague expressed shock over Khalife’s escape, reminiscing about their early friendship during military training. “He was quite a nice chap. He was always at the front of the pack for phys [physical training],” the colleague shared with the BBC.
Commander Dominic Murphy, of the Met’s counter-terrorism command, delivered a message to Khalife, encouraging him to turn himself in. He emphasized the significant public support and the relentless efforts of over 150 counter-terrorism officers involved in the search.
Investigations are also probing the possibility of assistance from prison staff in Khalife’s escape. Meanwhile, former justice secretary and prisons minister Robert Buckland highlighted the challenges facing the prison system, describing it as a “forgotten” service in the country. He stressed the need for increased capacity to address the current overcrowding issues, underscoring the importance of prison services in the nation.
