Key Points
- Thirty-one-year-old Feisal Saleh failed to return to HMP Springhill near Grendon Underwood following his release on temporary licence.
- Police stated that Saleh missed his 3:45 pm return deadline on Wednesday, 21 October.
- Authorities described Saleh as standing 6ft 1in tall with a medium build, and noted he was last wearing a black T-shirt, a high-visibility tabard, dark jeans, and black trainers.
- Police confirmed Saleh has connections to Milton Keynes and Potters Bar in Hertfordshire.
- Thames Valley Police warned the public not to approach Saleh and instructed people to call 999 immediately if they see him.
- Saleh was previously convicted of grievous bodily harm.
Grendon (Oxford Daily) October 23, 2026 – Thames Valley Police have launched an urgent search for 31-year-old prisoner Feisal Saleh, who is currently unlawfully at large after failing to return to open prison facilities near Grendon Underwood.
As reported by Shannon Weir of the Bucks Herald, Saleh was released from HMP Springhill on a temporary licence but failed to return by his required curfew time of 3:45 pm on Wednesday, 21 October.
The authorities have released a detailed description to assist members of the public in identifying the missing individual. Saleh is described as being 6ft 1in tall with a medium build.
At the time he was last seen, he was wearing a black T-shirt, a high-visibility tabard, dark jeans, and black trainers. Officers confirmed that he maintains geographical ties to both Milton Keynes and Potters Bar in Hertfordshire.
Investigating officer Police Staff Investigator Evelina Kersyte, of the Prison Crime Team, issued an official statement regarding the search effort.
As reported by Police Staff Investigator Evelina Kersyte of Thames Valley Police, “We are appealing for the help of the public to trace Feisal Saleh, who is unlawfully at large after not returning to HMP Springhill after being released on licence.”
How Can the Public Assist Police and What Safety Steps Should Be Taken?
Police officials have issued a direct advisory warning members of the public against approaching Saleh directly due to safety concerns.
As covered by Deb Gayen of London Now, Thames Valley Police explicitly instructed that anyone who spots Saleh should maintain a safe distance and contact emergency services immediately.
As reported by Deb Gayen of London Now, Thames Valley Police stated, “If you see Saleh, do not approach him and call 999 instead.”
Anyone holding information regarding Saleh’s current location or movements since Wednesday afternoon is urged to call the Thames Valley Police non-emergency line on 101, or submit details online via the official force website, quoting police reference number 43260551676.
Members of the public who prefer to submit information anonymously can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Official records indicate that Saleh was serving a prison sentence for grievous bodily harm prior to his release on temporary licence.
Background of the Particular Development
HMP Springhill is a Category D open prison for adult male inmates, situated adjacent to HMP Grendon near the village of Grendon Underwood in Buckinghamshire. Category D facilities are designated for prisoners who have been assessed as presenting a low risk to the public, or who are approaching the end of their custodial sentences.
These facilities allow eligible inmates access to Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL). ROTL schemes are intended to prepare prisoners for eventual re-entry into society by allowing them to participate in employment, training, or family contact visits under strict curfew conditions.
When a prisoner fails to adhere to the specified return conditions of temporary release, they are formally designated as unlawfully at large. Under standard prison procedures and UK legal protocol, failure to return from temporary licence constitutes a criminal offence, prompting immediate notification of local police forces and the initiation of public tracing operations.
Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Communities and Prison Operations
This development can significantly affect residents in surrounding areas, including Grendon Underwood, Milton Keynes, and Potters Bar, by heightened police activity and increased public alertness during the ongoing search effort. The public warning not to approach the individual may heighten local safety concerns while officers conduct localized enquiries.
For prison administration and correctional policy, instances where prisoners fail to return from temporary licence frequently trigger internal risk assessments and operational reviews.
Such events can lead authorities to re-examine the screening criteria and eligibility assessments used for granting temporary release to individuals serving sentences for violent offences, including grievous bodily harm.
