Police in Britain hunt robber released in error from prison

The Prison Service has admitted that a prisoner who was serving nine years has been released from HMP Wandsworth just a few months into his sentence – by mistake.

He was jailed for nine years after stealing £3,800 from a branch of Boots in Ruislip, West London, eight years ago.

Despite the efforts of the police, there’s still no sign of him, apart from the photos that he’s been posting of his freedom, which include him drinking pints and standing beside a police van.

Police are hunting for Ryan Byrne, 34, who was released in error from Wandsworth Prison.

But according to the Sun, the robber was mistakenly released last week while he was enjoying a cigarette in his cell.

The Prison Service said it was investigating the incident.

The gang of four, which included his brother Darren, rushed workers armed with a machete, imprisoned staff and then raided the safe.Byrne was released from prison in 2011 but breached his parole so was taken back to jail earlier this year.

Police have checked Byrne’s mother’s house in Acton, but to no avail.

A Prison Service statement said: “Releases in error are very rare but regrettable occurrences.

We are investigating this incident and it is now a matter for the police”.

“He is described as a white man, 5ft 11ins tall and of medium build. Byrne has blue eyes and has a goatee beard”.

Anyone who has seen Byrne or has any information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police on 101.