Inside Yarl’s Wood Prison Break: A 24 Hours in Police Custody Reveal

Channel 4’s docuseries, 24 Hours in Police Custody, has captivated viewers since its debut in 2014. The show documents intense criminal investigations by Bedfordshire Police, spanning serious crimes, including murders and major police operations. A recent episode, titled “Breakout,” revisits a dramatic incident at Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre in April 2023.

Yarl’s Wood Incident Overview

In April 2023, a mass breakout occurred at Yarl’s Wood, located near Bedford. Inmates initiated a protest in the gym that escalated, allowing them to manipulate their surroundings and escape. They forced staff out, obscured security cameras, and used gym equipment to assist in their plan.

The Escape

• Inmates scaled the facility’s fence.
• They dispersed into smaller groups to evade capture.

While most escapees were apprehended within hours, eight individuals managed to evade law enforcement.

Police Response

The response involved a nationwide manhunt led by Detective Chief Superintendent Will Hodgkinson. He stated it was the most extensive search he had encountered for such a small number of escapees.

“I’ve never known a search on this scale against eight individuals,” added Hodgkinson, noting that while they encounter escapes regularly, this case was particularly intense.

Capture of Escapees

After a seven-week search across the country, law enforcement successfully recaptured all eight escapees. Key captures included:

• Mariglen Coha was located in Huddersfield at a familiar address.
• Rizah Koka and Mexhit Palushi were found with illicit drugs in Bedfordshire.
• Samuel Boka returned to the site and was arrested during the investigation.
• Enea Shima was located in London.
• Thanas Bizhoti, Luftim Hallaci, and Arnold Lleshaj turned themselves in at various police stations.

Consequences and Sentencing

By February 2024, all 13 men involved in the escape faced legal repercussions, with total sentences exceeding 21 years for various offenses, including drug-related crimes. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Inwood emphasized the seriousness of the escape attempt, stating it was a “dangerous and brazen” act by men awaiting deportation.

Inwood highlighted the extensive effort by police units nationwide, indicating the unacceptable nature of the incident.

The “Breakout” episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody is scheduled for 9 pm on Channel 4 and is available for streaming on Channel 4 On Demand. The documentary provides further insight into the high-pressure manhunt and the events surrounding the escape at Yarl’s Wood.