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Three foreign prisoners at large Three foreign prisoners at large
(40 minutes later)
Three of the most serious offenders who were released from prison before being considered for deportation remain at large, the Home Office has said. Three of the most serious offenders at the centre of the foreign prisoners row which erupted in April remain at large six months on, the Home Office says.
The government came under fire after it emerged more than 1,000 foreign prisoners were released without being considered for deportation.The government came under fire after it emerged more than 1,000 foreign prisoners were released without being considered for deportation.
In the wake of the scandal, Home Secretary John Reid said his department was not fit for purpose. It led to Home Secretary Charles Clarke resigning. Replacement John Reid said his department was not fit for purpose.
Sex offenders, violent criminals and killers were among those released.Sex offenders, violent criminals and killers were among those released.
Of the most serious cases, the government said there was strong evidence to suggest that two were no longer in the UK, leaving three at large.
Scandal
Lin Homer, director general of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate, said in a letter to the Commons' all-party Home Affairs Select Committee: "Our records show that actual deportation or removal has now occurred in a total of 86 cases of the 1,013.
"This should be set against the fact that we are pursuing deportation in 725 cases."
Last month, the unit set up to trace the foreign prisoners was closed.
Mr Reid said the decision to close it was on police advice and he added that efforts to ascertain the fate of the remaining criminals would go on.
Charles Clarke resigned as home secretary after news of the scandal hit the headlines.