Police have now made six arrests in connection with the recent escape of eight men from the Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre in Bedfordshire.
Read: Arrest made after men escape from Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre
Three of those who are believed to have escaped have been taken into custody since the incident occurred on Friday (28 April) with three more arrested for offences related to the breakout.
Police have also seized significant amounts of drugs and cash during their enquiries.
The escape was preceded by disorder at the centre, during which 13 people broke through the perimeter fence, five of whom were caught by Bedfordshire Police.
The remaining eight escapees, all men, have now been the subject of extensive police activity across the UK, with several arrests have been made across the country.
- In Bedfordshire, a man in his 30s who was detained at Yarl’s Wood was questioned by police on suspicion of violent disorder and criminal damage in connection to Friday’s incident and has since been moved to another location.
- A man in his 20s from Bedford has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in connection to the incident and remains in custody
- A man in his 30s and two men in their 20s were arrested yesterday (Wednesday) and today (Thursday) on suspicion of escaping lawful custody
- The man in north London was also arrested on suspicion of drugs supply offences and possession of criminal property after police seized a significant amount of cannabis, cash and Class A drugs.
- A further two men found at the address were also arrested on suspicion of drugs supply offences, possession of criminal property and harbouring an offender.
- A man arrested by police in Warwickshire on Tuesday (2 May) has been released and will face no further action.
Bedfordshire police have urged the remaining escapees to turn themselves in while continuing their search.
Detective Superintendent William Hodgkinson, leading the police operation, said: “We are following a number of lines of enquiry in this investigation across the country and are determined to do everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.
“This is a serious crime and is being treated as such by our officers and those in law enforcement across the country.
“I would urge anyone involved in this to strongly consider handing themselves in. This would be in their best interests to mitigate the kind of serious criminal sanctions we will look to impose on them when we catch them.
“A number of people who remained at Yarl’s Wood have also been moved into alternative accommodation in the prison estate following Friday’s disturbance, as we and our partners continue to take steps to ensure these kinds of unacceptable scenes do not happen again.”
