AN investigation has been launched after a prisoner was mistakenly freed from HMP Hewell.

Anthony Douglas walked out of the Tardebigge prison on Wednesday, July 2 after being mistaken for another offender who had completed his sentence.

Douglas was arrested the next day Thursday, July 3 after the error came to light and he is now back in jail.

A prison service spokesman said: “A prisoner from Hewell was released in error on July 2. The police were notified immediately and he was recaptured on July 3.

“We take public protection extremely seriously and this type of incident is a very rare but regrettable occurrence.”

They added: “An investigation by a senior governor has been launched."

It is not the first time that the controversial HMP Hewell has been in the news.

The prison was the scene of an ambitious breakout last year by John Anslow, who went on the run to become one of the county's most wanted men.

Also last year an investigation was launched after allegations that prison officers were stealing from inmates.

In 2013 a member of staff was suspended while two others were excluded over allegations of criminal behaviour.