Over 100 escaped prisoners captured

Her Majesty’s Prison. File photo

Over 100 criminals who broke out of Her Majesty’s Prison, Balsam Ghut last week have been captured.

Governor Augustus Jaspert said the escapees were rounded up during an operation today.

The Governor did not disclose the exact number of criminals captured or the number that are still on the run.

“On Thursday 14 September, an operation run by the British Virgin Islands and Cayman Islands Police officers, alongside the British Royal Marines and police, resulted in the capture of over 100 escaped criminals from the Balsam Ghut prison,” said the Governor.

“The government of the British Virgin Islands is extremely grateful to the police and military personnel for their tireless efforts, which have today resulted in a thorough and extremely successful operation.”

Governor Jaspert added that the success signals a huge step in government’s efforts to rebuild the territory.

Meanwhile, he extended his gratitude to the United Kingdom and Cayman Islands governments for their provision of contingents of security personnel to bolster security efforts in the territory and restore law and order.

According to information in the international press, 120 prisoners escaped from Her Majesty’s prison after a section of the facility was damaged during the passage of Hurricane Irma last week.

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