Published: 2023-10-16 by, News Team in the Chiswick news category

Terror Suspect Seen in Chiswick

He is currently reported to be donning a black baseball cap, black t-shirt, and dark-colored trousers while carrying a small bag or case.

Authorities indicate that extensive searches are ongoing in Chiswick, approximately 4.5 miles from HMP Wandsworth, the prison from which the former soldier escaped. The plea for information is still in effect.

Armed officers and police dogs are actively scouring areas in the west London suburb, while a Metropolitan Police boat patrols the nearby River Thames. Authorities are conducting vehicle stops, inspecting car trunks, and requesting identification from local residents.

Metropolitan officers engaged in door-to-door inquiries on Friday, utilizing CCTV footage and a police helicopter to search areas in west and southwest London in the pursuit of the 21-year-old.

The police force is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information directly leading to the arrest of the remand prisoner.

In the latest update on Saturday, Scotland Yard stated that Chiswick has become the primary focus due to "confirmed sightings in that area overnight, including calls from members of the public."

Residents in the vicinity reported intense aerial searches involving at least one police helicopter on Friday night into early Saturday morning.

Mr. Khalife has been missing for three days since his escape from Wandsworth prison just after 07:30 BST on Wednesday.

On Friday, authorities disclosed that a member of the public observed Mr. Khalife walking away from the food delivery truck officers believe he used to escape Wandsworth, a category B prison. The van had stopped near the south entrance to Wandsworth roundabout, at the top of Trinity Road.

Contrary to the previous description, Mr. Khalife is now reported to be wearing civilian clothes, as opposed to a prison-issue cook's uniform.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk announced on Friday that an independent investigation would be conducted following the escape. This investigation will run alongside reviews examining the categorization and placement of all HMP Wandsworth prisoners and those in custody charged with terrorism offenses.

Mr. Khalife, accused of attempting to spy for an enemy state (believed to be Iran), obtaining information for terrorism, and plotting a fake bomb hoax, was on remand at Wandsworth pending a trial in November after being denied bail at a court hearing in January.

Described as slim and 6ft 2in (1.9m) with short brown hair, Mr. Khalife, a British citizen with Lebanese heritage, joined the Army in 2019 and disappeared on 2 January after an alleged bomb hoax while stationed at MoD Stafford (Beacon Barracks).

Scheduled to appear in court on 13 November, he faced charges including preparing an act of terrorism and collecting information useful to an enemy, denying the charges against him at the Old Bailey in July.

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