Executive Summary
- Mahad Elmi, 27, absconded from HMP Springhill between December 25 and 26.
- Thames Valley Police have warned the public not to approach Elmi and to call 999 if seen.
- The fugitive is described as 5ft 8ins and has known connections to south-west London.
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE — Thames Valley Police have initiated a manhunt for a 27-year-old inmate who absconded from HMP Springhill in Buckinghamshire, issuing a direct warning to the public not to approach the individual if sighted.
Authorities report that Mahad Elmi left the men’s open prison at some point between Christmas Day and the morning of Boxing Day. According to the police statement, Elmi no longer holds lawful authority to remain in the community and is officially considered "unlawfully at large."
Elmi is described by officials as a Black male, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, of medium build, with medium-length black hair, a beard, and brown eyes. Investigators have noted that the fugitive is known to have connections to south-west London.
Detective Sergeant Matthew French of the Buckinghamshire Priority Crime Team stated, "We are appealing for the help of the public to trace Mahad Elmi, who is unlawfully at large after leaving and not returning to HMP Springhill." Sergeant French emphasized, "If you see Elmi, do not approach him and call 999 instead." Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact authorities via the non-emergency line 101 or online, quoting reference number 43250653119.
Investigative Outlook
The unauthorized departure of an inmate from HMP Springhill, a Category D open resettlement prison, has triggered immediate protocols to locate the individual and assess potential community risks. Open prisons operate with lower security levels to facilitate the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners, but absconding events necessitate a rapid, coordinated response from law enforcement, particularly when the subject has established links to high-density areas like London. Police strategy currently focuses on utilizing public intelligence and surveillance to apprehend the subject swiftly. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law regarding any new charges related to this incident.
