LONDON — A massive manhunt is currently underway across southeast London after a 25-year-old prisoner overpowered a guard and escaped from a moving custodial transit van on Monday evening.
The Metropolitan Police have warned the public not to approach the escapee, identified as Temitope Segun, a Nigerian-born convict who was serving a sentence for supplying Class A drugs.
According to authorities, the incident occurred at approximately 6:40 PM on June 8, 2026, in the vicinity of Woolwich High Street. Segun was being transferred from the Bromley Magistrates’ Court to HMP Thameside—a category B local prison—when he staged his violent escape.
The prison transport was operated by the multinational private contractor Serco. Police reports indicate that Segun assaulted and overpowered a custody transit officer inside the van before fleeing into the busy streets of Woolwich.
A spokesperson for Serco confirmed the breach, stating: “An incident occurred on the evening of Monday 8 June in Woolwich. The matter is under investigation.” The private security firm also confirmed that the assaulted staff member sustained injuries during the altercation and is currently recovering at home.
Social media footage captured shortly after the escape showed a heavy emergency response, with multiple police vehicles with flashing lights cordoning off the area adjacent to the now-closed Waterfront Leisure Centre.
Detective Sergeant Claudine Manning, who is spearheading the manhunt, emphasized the urgency of the situation and the round-the-clock efforts of the Metropolitan Police to track down the fugitive.
”My team of dedicated officers are working around the clock to trace and apprehend Temitope Segun,” DS Manning said in an official statement. “It is imperative that the public contact police via 999 if they see him—or know where he may be. He has links across south London.”
Description and Sightings
Authorities have released a mugshot of Segun to aid in his capture. He is described as:
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- Age: 25
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Last Seen Wearing: A black jacket, black trousers, and black trainers.
- Known Local Links: High presence in the Plumstead, Abbey Wood, and Woolwich areas of southeast London.
The Metropolitan Police have strictly advised local residents and the wider public against attempting to intercept or approach Segun themselves, citing potential safety risks. Instead, anyone who spots him or has information regarding his current whereabouts is urged to immediately dial 999, quoting reference number 2270/10JUN.
For those wishing to provide information completely anonymously, reports can be filed through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 using the same reference number.
