Justice Secretary David Lammy has revealed the exact number of inmates still at large after being mistakenly released from prison.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Lammy confirmed three convicts have evaded capture from the authorities.
The Justice Secretary also reassured the public that none of the offenders have previous convictions for sexual offences.
“We understand that there are three mistakenly freed prisoners currently and willfully at large,” Mr Lammy said.
“Their prison records show that none of these are convicted sex offenders. I have been informed, Mr Speaker, this afternoon that HMPPS are investigating a further case of a potential release in error from November 3.”
However, Mr Lammy went on to explain that the three inmates mistakenly released had been imprisoned for failing to surrender to police, being in possession of Class B drugs and aggravated burglary.
The update comes just hours after the Ministry of Justice confirmed 91 prison releases have been made in error between April and October this year.
“Further data on the breakdown of offences are official statistics that need to be combed through in detail before being put in the public domain,” Mr Lammy added.
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