Police reveal route of delivery lorry ‘used by terror suspect’ to escape prison

There have been no reported sightings of the former British Army soldier, 21, since he escaped the west London prison on Wednesday morning just before 8am.

The Met is continuing to appeal for more information from the public as the manhunt enters its second day.

The Met has traced the van’s exact route on Wednesday morning and released the details, appealing to anyone who might have seen the van on this route to contact police.

On Thursday afternoon the force confirmed that it believes Khalife was hiding underneath the delivery van and used strapping as part of his escape.

Khalife was reported missing at 7.50am on Wednesday and the Met said it was notified at 8.15am. The van was stopped by officers 8.37am on Upper Richmond Road, near the junction with Carlton Drive.

Officers spoke to the driver and carried out a thorough search. Police discovered strapping on the underside of the van.

The van left Wandsworth Prison at 07.32am, taking a right turn out of gates onto Heathfield Road. It then turned left onto Magdalen Road.

The van then turned left onto Trinity Road (A214) up to the Wandsworth roundabout. It took the first exit onto Swandon Way (A217).

It then turned 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).

The Met has continued to focus the search, involving more than 150 officers and staff, in London particularly around this route.

Officers have also focused on the Kingston area, where Khalife is known to have connections.

“Khalife’s previous military experience may mean he is more aware of efforts to apprehend him,” the force said.

Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the investigation, asked for anyone with information about Khalife to get in touch urgently.

He said: “Since yesterday, 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.

“It is crucial for the public to help us with this search and to call us immediately if they have any information on the whereabouts of Khalife.”

While he is not assessed to pose a threat to the wider public Metropolitan Police advise anyone who seems him not to approach him and instead call 999 immediately.