Terrorism Suspect Prison Break Lorry was Stopped in Putney
Richmond Park being searched for fugitive Daniel Khalife
Officers surround food van on Upper Richmond Road. Picture: Facebook
September 8, 2023
The delivery lorry that terrorism suspect Daniel Khalife used to break out of Wandsworth Prison was stopped in Putney and now the police are focusing their search on Richmond Park.
While working in the kitchen, the former British Army solider had strapped himself to the underside of the food truck on the morning of Wednesday 6 September. Khalife was reported missing at 7.50am and the police were informed at 8.15am.
The Bidfood van had already departed at 7:32am taking a right turn out of gates onto Heathfield Road. It then turned left onto Magdalen Road and continued onto Trinity Road (A214) up to the Wandsworth Roundabout. It took the first exit onto Swandon Way (A217) turning left onto Old York Road (past Wandsworth Town station) then left onto Fairfield Street , right onto Wandsworth High Street (A3) staying straight ahead onto West Hill and then on to Upper Richmond Road (A205).
If you saw the van on this route the police are asking you to contact them.
It was finally stopped by the police at 8.37am near the junction with Carlton Drive but Khalife was not found but officers discovered strapping on the underside of the vehicle.
The food lorry used to make the escape. Picture: Facebook
The search is being led by the Metropolitan Police Service's Counter Terrorism Command, involving more than 150 officers and staff. The police said immediately after the escape that Khalife had connections in the Kingston area and that they believed he remained in London.
On Thursday evening, two helicopters were observed above Richmond Park and officers are stationed at the gates. The police say that Khalife’s previous military experience may mean he may be more aware of efforts to apprehend him and it is thought possible, that to keep off roads, he may have used Putney Heath to cross to Richmond Park in an attempt to get to Kingston. If he is in Richmond Park, police will have 2,500 acres to search much of which is covered in woodland.
He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel toe cap boots. He is of slim build, has short brown hair and is around 6ft 2ins tall.
Daniel Khalife. Picture: Met Police
21-year-old Khalife had been due to face trial over allegations that he left a dummy device at a military base in Stafford and tried to obtain personal information about soldiers from a computer system which was "likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism".
If seen, the public are advised not to approach Khalife, even though he is deemed by police not to pose a threat to the public, and to call 999 immediately, quoting reference CAD 1631/06SEP23.
Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the investigation, asked for anyone with information about Khalife that may help us to get in touch urgently.
He said, “Since yesterday (Wednesday), over 150 officers and staff have been working around the clock on apprehending Khalife.
"We have issued a nationwide alert that has resulted in increased security at our ports and borders, however currently there have not been any confirmed sightings.
“I recognise and am fully aware of the impact these measures are having on the public. We are working to ensure as minimal disruption as possible.”
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