Police hunt man released from Wormwood Scrubs prison by mistake

Police are hunting for an accused sex offender who was mistakenly released from prison while awaiting trial.

William Fernandez, 24, was being held on remand at HMP Wormwood Scrubs in west London after being charged with sexual assault by touching, indecent exposure and possession of a class B drug.

He was released from custody ‘in error’ on Wednesday evening, the Metropolitan Police said.

After being notified by staff at the prison, officers carried out searches in the local area but it is believed he had already left by London Underground from East Acton station.

The last confirmed sighting of him was at 9.24pm that night, when he captured on CCTV walking north along Wealdstone High Street.

Police have urged the public not to approach Fernandez and to call 999 immediately if they see him or know where he is.

Fernandez is described as being white, medium build, with thinning hair and a dark beard. He has a cross tattoo on the left side of his neck and was last seen wearing a black tracksuit and black hat.

Before his arrest in April 2020 he had no fixed address and police believe he is most likely to be in the west London area, although he is known to use public transport.

“Officers are exploring every possible line of enquiry to track Fernandez down and return him to prison,” said Detective Inspector Rory Wilkinson, who is leading the search.

“We would ask the public to assist us by being our eyes and ears and calling us if they see him or have any information about his whereabouts.”

The Metropolitan Police added: “Officers continue to conduct extensive enquiries to locate Fernandez, including CCTV analysis and house to house enquiries at several locations.”