Latest mistaken releases expose deep cracks in England’s prison system

Breakdowns in communications and staffing and security issues show how years of neglect have pushed jails to breaking point

• Met hunting two more criminals mistakenly freed from prison

The mistaken release of a second foreign prisoner has forced ministers to re-evaluate their security and release procedures and will once again shine a spotlight on the well-documented problems at HMP Wandsworth.

Much of the concern centres on poor technology and poor communication between prisons, the Ministry of Justice and the courts - the three bodies responsible for overseeing the movement of England and Wales's 87,000 inmates.