Prisoner back in custody after being accidentally released from Humberside jail

A prisoner who spent more than 24 hours on the run in Humberside after he was released from jail by mistake is back in custody.

Michael Kavanagh was released from HMP Hull in error on Friday, prompting Humberside Police to issue an urgent warning to members of the public not to approach the wanted man.

Following the appeal, the police force announced on Sunday afternoon that Mr Kavanagh had been found.

The prisoner has been awaiting trial for allegedly carrying an offensive weapon and intent to cause grievous bodily harm in Grimsby in June.

A police spokesperson said: “We are pleased to update that Michael Kavanagh who was wanted after he was released in error from ​HMP Hull has now been located and is in police custody.”

“Thank you to all those who shared our appeal and contacted us with information.”

Superintendent Gary Hooks had appealed directly to Mr Kavanagh to “hand yourself in to your nearest police station” following Friday’s blunder.

“Anyone found supporting and harbouring him could be subject to prosecution for assisting an offender,” said the police officer.

HMP Hull is a Category B men’s prison with a capacity to hold 1,044 inmates.

Data released by the government in July showed 71 inmates were released in error from prisons across England and Wales last year.