Campsfield: Seven break out

9:45am Thursday 19th June 2008

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Seven men broke out of controversial detention centre Campsfield House in Kidlington this morning, it has been confirmed.

Police have already recaptured three detainees and are hunting for the remaining four.

Police were called in at 3.45am today by staff at the centre requesting assistance in dealing with the incident, spokesman Victoria Bartlett said.

She added: "The Home Office has informed us that seven detainees have escaped.

"Officers have been carrying out a thorough search of the area.

"Three of the detainees have since been recaptured. The other four remain outstanding."

Supt Howard Stone, commanding the police response, said: "We are working with GEO as well as the UK Border Agency to ensure everything is done, as quickly as possible, to locate the missing detainees.

"However, I would ask that if members of the public see anyone acting suspiciously and believes they may have been involved in this incident to contact the police immediately."

Today is the fifth outbreak of trouble at Campsfield, which holds about 215 men, in 16 months.

In August 26 men broke out of Campsfield.

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Evan Harris said he was trying to find out more information from the Home Office.