Arrest made after men escape from immigration removal centre

Police searching for eight men who escaped from an immigration removal centre in Bedfordshire this weekend have made an arrest.

The man in his 20s was arrested by police in Warwickshire today (Tuesday) on suspicion of escaping lawful custody.

He is being transported back to Bedfordshire for questioning.

Detectives have said they are confident of making further arrests over the coming days, as law enforcement agencies carry out enquiries across the country.

It follows disorder at the Yarl’s Wood immigration removal centre on Friday night (28 April).

Thirteen people were able to break through the centre’s perimeter fence, though five were detained by Bedfordshire Police officers shortly afterwards.

The remaining eight were all men, seven in their 20s and one in his 30s.

Detective Superintendent William Hodgkinson from Bedfordshire Police, leading the policing operation, said: “We are taking this investigation extremely seriously and working with law enforcement agencies across the country to capture and return the escapees.

“Please be assured that we are doing everything in our power to return the men and I expect that we will make further arrests over the coming days.

“I understand that this incident has caused concern among local residents, and I wish to reassure people that there is no risk to the local community as a result of what has happened.

“The immigration removal centre itself is calm and has returned to normal and I know staff there are working hard to prevent any further incidents like this from happening.”

Anyone with any information about the whereabouts of those who remain outstanding is asked to contact Bedfordshire Police on 101 or via beds.police.uk/ro/report

Please quote Operation Springhill