Burglar wanted after fleeing van that was taking him back to prison

A search has been launched for a man who fled from a security van taking him back to prison.

Kwami Richards, 42, was wanted for breaching his licence conditions after serving a sentence for burglary.

He was arrested by Met Police officers and put into a van operated by a private security firm but escaped from it on Friday, when it was parked outside Brixton Police station, in south London.

An officer chased him into the Underground station and was assaulted when he tried to detain Richards.

But the burglar managed to get away and board a Victoria line train which took him away.

The Met is asking the public to keep an eye out for Richards but has warned people not to approach him.

If you do spot him, you should call 999 immediately.

The force is currently investigating how Richards managed to escape the van.

In March, the police requested help finding a man who was mistakenly released from jail. 

Rayon Newby, 20, who was allowed to walk free from HMP Thameside on March 17, before completing his sentence for assault, harassment and burglary.

Newby, from east London, with links to Tower Hamlets and Ilford, was eventually found and remanded back into custody on April 4.

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