Authorities are cautioning the public against approaching an escaped prisoner, Darnell Smith, who has been on the run for almost three months since fleeing HMP Springhill in Buckinghamshire. Smith, 27 years old, is approximately 5ft 8in tall, of medium build, and was last seen dressed in all black attire when he escaped on January 28.
Thames Valley Police disclosed that Smith has connections to Croydon, south London, Plumstead, Surrey, as well as other areas in Surrey and Sussex. Described as “unlawfully at large,” the police have advised individuals not to engage with him.
In case of any sightings, the public is urged to contact 999 immediately. Information on Smith’s possible whereabouts can be shared by calling 101 or submitting online details with reference number 43260045393. The police have made a plea for information on their Facebook page, which has garnered significant attention.
This incident comes after Daniel Boakye, 21, managed to escape custody from Lewisham Hospital in southeast London. Boakye’s escape followed his disappearance from hospital while under the supervision of prison staff a week earlier. Despite being apprehended in Thamesmead, southeast London and returned to HMP Feltham, Boakye absconded again, prompting a fresh warning from the authorities against approaching him.
Boakye, facing deportation to Ghana, was sentenced to six years and five months in July 2023 for a series of cryptocurrency knifepoint robberies totalling £115,000. Three others involved in the crimes were also sentenced.
