Officers are asking for help locating a man who was mistakenly released from jail.
The Metropolitan Police is appealing for information on the whereabouts of Rayon Newby, 20, who was allowed to walk free from HMP Thameside on March 17.
The force has further advised members of the public not to approach Newby.
Metro has contacted Serco, the private firm that runs the prison, for comment on the exact nature of the error that led to the inmate’s release.
Newby, who has ties to the Tower Hamlets and Ilford areas, was serving time for assault, harassment and burglary.
Police describe him as a black man of heavy build, approximately 5ft 10ins, with a piercing in his left ear. He speaks with a London accent.
It’s not the only time in recent weeks police have appealed to the public for help tracking down former inmates.
Sussex Police posted a wanted poster on Facebook last week for Curtis Harrison, 32, after he violated the terms of his release, only for him to then taunt authorities via social media.
Harrison, who had served time for breaching a restraining order, joked in posts about collecting the £500 reward for information leading to his arrest.
The hunt for Harrison came less than a month after Norfolk Police apprehended Dean Manning, 34, who also mocked efforts to track him down in videos posted to Facebook and TikTok.
A court jailed Manning for 18 months last year for attacking his partner while under the influence. He was wanted for breaching the terms of his licence.
In one clip, Manning walked past a police station, saying: ‘I shouldn’t really be here, should I?’
Anyone with information as to Rayon Newby’s whereabouts is encouraged to call 101 or Tweet @metcc quoting reference CAD 3195/30Mar.
Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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