Key Points
- A manhunt has been launched after Darnell Smith, a 27-year-old prisoner, escaped from HMP Springhill near Bicester at around 11:30am on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
- Smith escaped without lawful authority or licence.
- He is described as 5ft 8ins tall, medium build, and was last seen wearing all black clothing.
- Smith has known connections to Surrey, Sussex, Croydon, and Plumstead in London.
- Police and prison authorities are actively appealing for public assistance to locate him.
- Prison staff investigator Evelina Kersyte urged anyone spotting Smith not to approach him and to contact 999 immediately.
- Information about Smith’s whereabouts can also be reported via 101 or online, quoting reference number 43260045393.
- Anonymous tips can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- Smith was jailed for possession with intent to supply a class A controlled drug and for exploitation offences.
- The escape occurred just over the Oxfordshire-Buckinghamshire border.
Bicester (Oxford Daily News) January 30, 2026 – Authorities have launched a major manhunt after Darnell Smith, a 27-year-old prisoner, escaped from HMP Springhill, an open prison near Bicester, at approximately 11:30am on Wednesday, January 28. Smith absconded without lawful authority or licence, prompting an urgent appeal for public assistance in locating him.
Prison and police officials confirmed that Smith was last seen wearing all black clothing and has links to several areas in southern England, including Surrey, Sussex, Croydon, and Plumstead in London.
Who is Darnell Smith and what is his criminal background?
As reported by This is Oxfordshire, Darnell Smith, aged 27, was serving a sentence for possession with intent to supply a class A controlled drug and offences related to exploitation.
Prison authorities confirmed that Smith was lawfully confined at HMP Springhill, an open prison located near Bicester in Buckinghamshire, close to the Oxfordshire border. His escape has raised concerns due to both the nature of his offences and the potential risks posed to the public while he remains at large.
How did Darnell Smith escape?
Prison officials stated that Smith absconded from the facility around 11:30am on Wednesday, January 28, without any authority to be free. The circumstances surrounding the escape are under investigation by the prison crime team.
As reported by Evelina Kersyte, a prison staff investigator, “We are appealing for the help of the public to trace Darnell Smith, who is unlawfully at large after escaping from HMP Springhill.”
No further details regarding the method of escape have been released to avoid compromising ongoing efforts to recapture him.
What does Darnell Smith look like and what is he wearing?
According to the prison crime team cited by This is Oxfordshire, Smith is:
- 27 years old
- Approximately 5ft 8ins tall
- Of medium build
- Last seen wearing all black clothing
Authorities have advised the public not to approach him if spotted, as he is considered dangerous. Instead, they urged immediate reporting to emergency services.
What areas should the public be vigilant in?
Smith is known to have connections to Surrey, Sussex, Croydon, and Plumstead in London. Authorities are likely focusing search efforts in these areas, alongside locations surrounding Bicester and the prison itself.
Residents are being asked to remain alert and report any sightings to 999 if Smith is seen, or provide information to 101 or online, quoting reference number 43260045393. Anonymous tips can also be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
What are the official instructions from the prison and police?
As reported by This is Oxfordshire, prison staff investigator Evelina Kersyte emphasised the importance of public safety, saying:
“If you see Smith, do not approach him and call 999 instead. If you have any information as to where Smith may be, please call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference number 43260045393.”
She added that members of the public wishing to remain anonymous could contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, ensuring that the manhunt can be supported while protecting those providing information.
How are authorities coordinating the manhunt?
Following Smith’s escape, a coordinated search operation has been launched involving prison staff and local police units. The manhunt includes:
- Deployment of officers in surrounding areas
- Public appeals through media outlets
- Monitoring of known associates and locations linked to Smith
Officials have not disclosed further tactical details, but emphasised that Smith should not be approached under any circumstances due to the potential risk to public safety.
Why is this escape considered serious?
Darnell Smith’s escape is treated as a serious public safety incident due to:
- His conviction for possession with intent to supply a class A drug, indicating criminal intent and potential for further offences.
- His exploitation-related offences, raising concern about his behaviour while at large.
- The fact that he escaped without lawful authority, highlighting potential security risks at open prison facilities.
Authorities are working to ensure that Smith is located quickly to prevent any further criminal activity or risk to the public.
What role do open prisons play and why might this have occurred?
HMP Springhill is classified as an open prison, which typically allows certain prisoners more freedom and opportunities for rehabilitation, including temporary release under licence for work or other activities.
As reported by This is Oxfordshire, Smith’s escape occurred without lawful licence, meaning he was not authorised to be outside the facility at the time. This breach is being investigated to understand any procedural lapses and to strengthen security measures.
Open prisons aim to prepare inmates for reintegration, but escapes, while rare, can pose risks to both the public and the correctional system.
What should the public do if they see Darnell Smith?
Authorities have issued clear instructions to ensure public safety:
- Do not approach him. Smith is considered dangerous.
- Call 999 immediately if he is spotted.
- Provide information through 101 or online, quoting reference number 43260045393.
- Remain anonymous if preferred, by contacting Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
The public’s cooperation is essential in ensuring a swift and safe recapture of the escaped prisoner.
What previous criminal record does Smith have?
As highlighted in reports from This is Oxfordshire, Smith was jailed for:
- Possession with intent to supply a class A controlled drug
- Offences related to exploitation
His criminal record and prior convictions are part of why law enforcement has prioritised the manhunt and emphasised the need for caution among the public.
What is the wider impact on the Bicester and Oxfordshire communities?
The escape has heightened concern in the Bicester area, with police and local authorities urging vigilance. Residents in nearby towns and regions, particularly those with links to Smith’s known associations in Surrey, Sussex, Croydon, and Plumstead, are being advised to report any sightings and take precautions.
The incident also raises broader questions about security at open prisons and how they manage prisoners with histories of serious offences.
