British authorities are searching for Ethiopian asylum-seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, who was mistakenly released from prison despite being sentenced for sexual assault. Police are reviewing hours of CCTV footage as part of a multi-force effort to locate him.

Kebatu had been sentenced in September to 12 months in prison for five offenses, including the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in Epping, just over a week after arriving in the U.K. by boat. Officials said he was released Friday by mistake from a Chelmsford prison, reportedly due to a misclassification, and was last seen boarding a train.

“Officers worked throughout the night to track his movements, including scouring hours of CCTV footage, and this work continues today,” said Essex Police. Authorities stressed the urgency of locating Kebatu and apprehending him promptly.

The Prison Service has launched an investigation into the error, and a prison officer has been temporarily removed from duties pending the outcome.

Kebatu’s arrest and case had previously triggered widespread anti-migrant protests in London and other cities. Demonstrations initially targeted the Bell Hotel in Epping, where he was staying with other recently arrived migrants, and later spread to other migrant accommodations, occasionally involving far-right activists and unrest. Counterprotests were organized by groups including Stand Up to Racism.

The incident has highlighted ongoing tensions in the U.K. over unauthorized migration, particularly the tens of thousands of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. Controversy also surrounds the government’s practice of housing asylum-seekers in hotels while their applications are processed.

Authorities continue to emphasize that public safety is their top priority as they coordinate the search across London and surrounding areas.