Massive queues are forming at airports across the country due to an urgent manhunt for a terror suspect who has escaped from prison.
Passengers at Manchester Airport are reporting long waits and scenes of ‘absolute carnage’ as security inside the terminals is ramped up.
It’s all because of an urgent police appeal to trace 21-year-old Daniel Abed Khalife, who escaped Wandsworth Prison at around 7.50am this morning.
It’s understood that all UK airports and ports are on alert as the national manhunt continues.
Khalife, a former British Army soldier, was on remand in prison while awaiting trial in relation to terrorism and Official Secrets Act offences.
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He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, red and white chequered trousers and brown steel toe cap boots. He’s of slim build, around 6ft 2in tall, and has short brown hair.
While it’s believed he’s likely to be in the London area, a UK-wide alert has been issued by Counter Terrorism Command.
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The public are warned not to approach Khalife but to call 999 immediately if they see him, quoting reference CAD 1631/06SEP23.
We are urgently appealing to trace Daniel Khalife, who escaped from Wandsworth Prison this morning.
He has links to #Kingston – police efforts to trace him are ongoing. He should not be approached.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “We have a team of officers who are making extensive and urgent enquiries in order to locate and detain Khalife as quickly as possible. However, the public can help us as well and should anyone see Khalife, or have any information as to where he might be, then please call 999 immediately.
“I also want to reassure the public that we have no information which indicates, nor any reason to believe that Khalife poses a threat to the wider public, but our advice if you do see him is not to approach him and call 999 straight away.”
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Border force officers have implemented additional document checks at Manchester Airport which is adding time to normal security checks.
Some people inside Manchester Airport reported ‘very unusual’ scenes with ‘border force running up and down as if they’re looking for someone’.
Manchester Airport said on X: “We’re sorry that you experienced a prolonged security queue. Our security teams work hard to ensure the safety and security of all at Manchester Airport and carry out important checks set by the UK Government. Thank you for your patience and we hope you have a smooth onward journey.”
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Daisy Jackson -
6th September 2023 
