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Manhunt for Mahad Elmi After Absconding from HMP Springhill

Published 27 December 2025

Thames Valley Police have launched a manhunt for 27-year-old Mahad Elmi, who absconded from HMP Springhill, a low-security open prison near Grendon Underwood in Buckinghamshire, sometime overnight between Christmas Day and Boxing Day morning.

The inmate, described as a black man approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall with a medium build, medium-length black hair, a beard and brown eyes, failed to return to the facility after being granted temporary leave. Police stated that Elmi no longer holds any lawful authority to be in the community and is now considered unlawfully at large. He is known to have connections to southwest London, prompting officers to focus searches in that area.

Authorities issued an urgent public appeal on Thursday, urging anyone with information on Elmi's whereabouts to come forward while emphasizing safety precautions. "We are appealing for the help of the public to trace Mahad Elmi, who is unlawfully at large after leaving and not returning to HMP Springhill," said Detective Sergeant Matthew French of the Buckinghamshire Priority Crime Team. "If you see Elmi, do not approach him and call 999 instead. If you have any information as to where Elmi may be, please...

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