‘Hundreds’ of prisoners freed early in England and Wales not fitted with tags

Serco says it is working to fit electronic devices, which were a condition of early release of 1,700 last week

Prisoners freed early to ease overcrowding in jails have not been fitted with electronic tags despite it being a condition of their release, prompting criticism from a parliamentary watchdog.

Officials have declined to say how many of 1,700 prisoners in England and Wales who were allowed out after serving 40% of their sentences last week were not given tracking devices. It is understood to be hundreds" rather than dozens", said a source.